Wayne Woodlands Manor, a skilled nursing facility in Waymart and part of Wayne Memorial Health System, is now officially closed to most visitors to protect residents from the novel coronavirus or COVID-19. The 121-bed home offers long-term care and short-term rehabilitation services.
“We have no cases of the virus on site, and we continue to accept new residents, but out of an abundance of caution and following government recommendations, we are restricting visitation,” said Wayne Woodlands administrator Mike Freund. Freund said exceptions will be made in end-of-life situations where emotional support is essential to a resident’s well-being. He added that the facility is also encouraging alternate means of communication, such as Facetime and Skype, for families and friends of residents.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the Pennsylvania Department of Health have said repeatedly that people age 60 and over, as well as those with chronic illnesses, are most vulnerable to the virus. Wayne Woodlands is home to many elderly and chronically ill individuals.
“We are also monitoring our staff for symptoms and asking anyone who is sick to stay at home,” Freund continued.
For more information about COVID-19, visit cdc.gov/coronavirus or health.pa.gov/topics/disease/Pages/Coronavirus.