Reading, PA — The Berks County Commissioners announced today that the PA National Guard will begin COVID-19 testing of all Berks Heim staff and residents tomorrow, 5/28/2020. The testing of residents will also occur with their approval and or the approval of the resident’s family member or responsible party.
National Guard Assistance with Testing was offered to nursing homes in PA
“We continue to be committed to doing everything possible protect both our residents and staff at the Berks Heim,” noted Commissioner Board Chair Christian Leinbach. Commissioner Leinbach further stated “the commissioners appreciate the support of the PA National Guard in the necessary and truly humanitarian effort.”
Key measures remain in place
As previously reported, Berks Heim stopped taking visitors March 11, 2020. The facility instituted screening all employees and other approved individuals upon entering the building.
These precautions include monitoring of temperatures, symptoms, and following recommended guidelines to restrict access as necessary based on CDC (Centers for Disease Control), CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) and the Pennsylvania Department of Health standards. All staff are wearing isolation/surgical masks which serve the purpose of protecting staff and residents from the wearer should he/she be asymptomatic while carrying the virus. Residents always remain on their nursing units and in their rooms as much as possible. All needed services continue to be provided to the residents. We continue to admit new residents to the facility only after an extensive review and approval process. New residents are admitted to a specific area to be quarantined for 14 days. We continue to follow Infection Control guidelines to maintain a safe and clean environment for the residents and staff of Berks Heim. We also have precautions in place for food preparation, delivery and service for the residents.
