As the impact of COVID-19 has reached our area in recent days, Luthercare for Kids leadership and the partners with Systems Aligned in Learning (SAIL) have been carefully watching state and local decisions in regards to any closures.
As always, the safety and health of our children, families and team members is of utmost importance to us. In response, we are following the governor’s direction. The Luthercare for Kids and SAIL Mentors will be suspending all in-home provider visits in the counties we serve from Monday, March 16, through Friday, March 27, 2020. Mentors will be available remotely through phone calls and e-mails to support providers.
Also, please be advised that because all public libraries have also been ordered to be closed, the Be READy Rover bookmobile will be discontinuing in-home visits in Lancaster County. Mary Benson of the Be READy Rover will be emailing lesson plans and newsletters with information about crafts and other activities. Providers with materials checked out have had all due dates extended until at least April 15.
Providers are also invited to tune in to Ephrata Public Library Story Times on Facebook, live at 10 a.m. Monday through Thursday. To do so, head to this link: https://www.facebook.com/events/201298474479778/?event_time_id=201298477813111
We will be monitoring the situation to determine if an extended postponement of in-person visits is necessary.
Please follow these guidelines to keep you and your family safe during this time:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.
• Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.
Please continue to follow the latest information regarding COVID-19 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html, and from the Pennsylvania Department of Health at https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx.
In-home providers who have additional questions, should reach out to their Mentor through phone or e-mail.
About Luthercare:
Founded in 1949, Luthercare, a social ministry organization affiliated with the Lower Susquehanna Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and a member of Lutheran Services in America, is a leading provider of independent, personal care and skilled care residences in Lancaster and Lebanon counties. Luthercare operates Luther Acres, a Continuing Care Retirement Community in Lititz, Pa.; Spang Crest, a rehabilitation center, skilled nursing and memory support personal care community in Lebanon, Pa.; and St. John’s Herr Estate, an independent living and personal care community in Columbia, Pa. Additionally, Luthercare operates PA Keystone Stars-accredited child care and early learning centers in Reamstown and Annville. Luthercare, a pioneer in Child Care Programs, also offers a Mentoring Program, which aids home-based child care providers in Lebanon and Lancaster counties.