MNRC, Pennington Square welcome in-person visitors

     Some exciting news recently announced regarding Monticello Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and Pennington Square Assisted Living…

     Both facilities are now allowing visitors to come inside and see residents in-person.

     “We are so excited to be able to offer indoor visitation again,” said Laurissa Martin, administrator of both MNRC and Pennington Square.

     Visitations began on Feb. 18 and will continue as long as visiting guidelines are followed. Below is a list of guidelines for both facilities:

     • Visitations will continue to take place if no new COVID-19 cases have been identified in staff or residents in the previous 14 days.

     • Visitations will continue to take place as long as the Jones County 14-day positivity rate is no greater than 10 percent.

     • Visitations will continue to take place for residents that are asymptomatic and are not COVID-19 positive, nor in quarantine.

     • Visitors will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms at the front door of both facilities, must wear a mask, complete hand hygiene, and maintain 6 feet of social distancing.

     • Visitors will be admitted by appointment only. Go to www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4DACAD2EA1FBC70-pennington or www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d4dacad28a3ffce9-indoor. You can also call 319-465-5415 to schedule a visit.

     • Visitors must go directly to and from the designated visiting area in the fireplace room upon completion of the screening.

     Martin said the visiting procedures in place stem from guidance provided by IDPH (the Iowa Department of Public Health), DIA (Department of Inspections and Appeals), and CMS (the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services).

     In-person visits at nursing homes in Iowa were suspended in mid-March 2020 when Gov. Kim Reynolds declared a statewide public health disaster proclamation. Now, “visitors” coming to MNRC and Pennington can include friends and family of residents and tenants.

     Those visits will be for 15-minute timeslots “to help allow as many residents and tenants a visit as possible,” noted Martin. “Visitors can sign up for a timeslot that fits into their schedule.” Only two visitors will be allowed per appointment time.

     Visitors will not be permitted in residents/tenants’ rooms. The fireplace room referenced under the visitor guidelines allows for social distancing. There will also be a plexiglass barrier in place to help in regards to the centers’ infection control measures.

     Both MNRC and Pennington Square are proud to share that between staff and residents, they have a nearly 100 percent vaccination rate. A third COVID-19 vaccine clinic was scheduled for Feb. 22.

     “Almost all of our residents have received their second dose,” Martin shared of additional positive news.

     Jones County residents continue to also get vaccinated. At this time, visitors to MNRC and Pennington do not have to be vaccinated. Martin reiterated that visitors will still have to follow all guidelines whether they and/or the resident are vaccinated or not.

     “It is important that we all follow IDPH recommendations in preventing the spread of COVID-19 in the community,” urged Martin.