Welcome to the Friendship Villages’ September 28, 2021 COVID-19 update.
We have been very blessed during recent months at Friendship Village with regard to COVID-19. Since January 2021, when virtually all of our residents completed their vaccination process, only a handful across both Villages have contracted COVID-19. Each of these residents had been fully vaccinated. All contracted the virus from friends, family or attending events off campus. All have recovered.
On Monday, September 27, 2021, St. Louis County issued a new mandate that requires all persons over the age of 5 to wear masks when in public spaces. For Friendship Villages, this includes residents, employees, and visitors.
To accommodate this new County requirement, the new policy in effect at Friendship Villages is as follows:
MASK POLICY:
As of Monday, September 27, 2021, St. Louis County issued a new Mask Mandate in regard to the continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Effective immediately, the following conditions apply:
All Residents, Staff and Visitors (over the age of 5) must wear a mask when in public spaces.
This means for Friendship Villages, masks are required in the following places:
- Any space outside of your living unit
- Hallways and corridors
- Busses and shuttles
- Lobbies, classrooms, meeting rooms, exercise rooms
- Dining rooms (unless sitting at a table eating your meal)
Masks are recommended but not required when:
- Outdoors (try to maintain social distancing)
- Exercising outdoors
- Swimming
- Inside living units
- Inside offices and office suites
We understand the inconvenience and discomfort this may cause some, but we are committed to doing our part to continue to keep everyone safe from the potential spread of COVID-19 and its variants.
As most know, the government has also encouraged the administration of booster vaccines for seniors who have previously received the Pfizer COVID Vaccine.
BOOSTER VACCINATIONS:
Booster vaccinations have been approved for seniors who had previously received the Pfizer vaccine at least six (6) months ago. Right now, this pertains only to those who received the Pfizer vaccine prior to April 1st, 2021. Not after April 1st, 2021. As time goes on, residents and employees can receive the booster when they have crossed that 6-month mark.
Booster vaccines have not yet been approved for those who have received the Moderna or the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
While most of those on our campuses received the Moderna vaccine, there are a small number of residents and employees who did receive the Pfizer vaccine.
Those desiring a Pfizer booster vaccination have two options:
- Find an off campus location to receive the booster shot on your own.
- Participate in one of our on-campus vaccination clinics on a Thursday that is most convenient. On alternating Thursdays, the clinics are available in the Care Centers on either campus. If one chooses this option, please inform the Care Center receptionist no later than the Tuesday before the desired date.
We praise God for the mercies He has shown to Friendship Villages, and we thank all of our friends and family for your prayers and support during all of this time.