UPDATE ON COVID CASE(S) and RESIDENT/STAFF PCR TESTING

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It has been our responsibility to test all staff weekly depending on case positivity in the community and during our most recent testing cycle we’ve had 1 staff member whose results indicate positive Covid results. That staff member has had limited exposure to residents, but has been around staff that have given care. We’ve sent out additional testing and will be following up with testing of staff twice a week until no positives or symptoms are showing. There have been some inaccuracies measured in our new antigen testing machine (1st testing method), so we’ve followed up with additional lab testing to ensure accuracy of results. In the meantime we’ve treated these cases as positive and are following all recommendations for patient and staff safety. 

Tomorrow we will follow up with resident PCR testing for all residents and will notify all family (of the results when we are given those. In the meantime we’ve enacted all protocols for outbreak status and we have PPE and supplies available to reduce/prevent exposure. 

The second testing method we have used is called PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) testing and it is highly accurate. 

As a precaution, all staff and residents with known exposure to this individual are quarantining safely in their homes and rooms. 

We will continue testing twice weekly and report any new test results or other pertinent information regarding this outbreak 

As always, if you have any questions or concerns feel free to call at 360-225-9443 and ask for the following staff:

Stephanie Smith – Infection Preventionist/Staff Development Coordinator

Jennifer Lennox- Director of Nursing

Justin Settlemier-Administrator

We know how stressful this is and we will continue to do our best to keep you informed of any new cases and making sure all social distancing and PPE use is strictly being followed. 

Sincerely,

Justin Settlemier, NHA