Credit: County of Bucks
Bucks County employees working at the Neshaminy Manor are expected to get the vaccinated for COVID-19.
Employees at the Warrington Township-based 360-bed facility, the fourth largest long-term care center in the state, have provided emails and relayed the county’s policy decision to LevittownNow.com over the past several days. Employees declined to have their names published due to concerns over retaliation.
Advertisements
An email last week from the county nursing home administrator to all facility staff noted there was a 46.7 percent COVID-19 vaccine participation rate among staff and 94 percent among residents. Marjorie Ziegler, the facility administrator, wrote that the level of participation for staff was “unacceptable.”
The note to employees said that top county leaders, including Bucks County Health Department Director Dr. Damkser was consulted. The decision was to terminate employees who do not get vaccinated.
Pennsylvania health officials said state government would not require vaccination. However, experts have said employers can require staff to get vaccinations unless there is a specific medical disability. The federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission released information on the topic late last year.
Advertisements
Employees at Neshaminy Manor who reached out to this news organization said they were upset at the policy due to religious and philosophical concerns.
Bucks County spokesperson Larry King said vaccine clinics will be returning to the nursing home in the coming weeks.
Advertisements
“Any staff that has not been vaccinated by the end of March could be laid off. Those claiming medical or religious exemptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis,” King said.
Neshaminy Manor has seen 85 residents die due to COVID-19 since March.
The two COVID-19 vaccines approved have been found to be safe and are being distributed throughout the country and much of the world.
Advertisements
Ways residents can help reduce the spread of COVID-19:
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Wear a mask properly when in a business or where it is difficult to maintain proper social distancing.
- Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.
- Clean surfaces frequently.
- Stay home to avoid spreading COVID-19, especially if you are unwell.
Report a correction via email | Editorial standards and policies
