DUBOIS – A contracted employee who provided services at the DuBois Nursing Home has been diagnosed with the coronavirus (COVID-19).
The announcement was made via a letter from Karen Brown, assistant administrator, that was posted on the official Facebook page of the DuBois Continuum of Care Community Inc.
Brown said the employee was diagnosed on May 24; she was not symptomatic, and was tested as part of her provider’s protocol.
She said staff have notified the families of residents on the unit where the contracted employee provided services. The employee was also “excluded” from the facility.
She said the employee will remain excluded from providing care at the home until return-to-work guidelines have been met in accordance with the Department of Health.
Brown noted that the contracted employee wore the required personal protective equipment while providing care over the 14-day period prior to her diagnosis.
“The facility has and continues to screen all employees, including contracted employees, who enter the building and continues with visitation restriction,” she said.
“Resident safety is our top priority. We continue to stay in very close communication with local and state health officials and [are] taking all the appropriate steps related to COVID-19.
“We continue to not permit visitors per the direction of the local health department … It’s crucial we continue to restrict visitation to reduce the spread of this virus.”
Currently, Brown said the DuBois Nursing Home doesn’t have any active COVID-19 cases among its residents. Families are encouraged to keep in touch via video chat, social media, etc.
“We know this is a difficult time for everyone,” she said, “and we will provide updates as they become available. Please know that we’re strictly adhering to all directions from local and state health departments.”