DUBOIS – The DuBois Nursing Home has four new confirmed resident cases and seven new confirmed staff cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as of Sept. 7.
The DuBois Continuum of Care Community sent a notification letter to families that was also posted on the DCCC Web site.
Currently, the home has had a total of 22 confirmed resident cases of the virus, with two residents experiencing “a new onset of respiratory symptoms” within a 72-hour period.
It’s also had a total of 14 staff cases with one staff member having “a new onset of respiratory symptoms” within a 72-hour period.
The DuBois Nursing Home has had 36 total confirmed cases; however, the DuBois Village continues to report zero resident and staff cases of COVID-19.
“… We are doing what we can to limit the spread of COVID-19 within the facility,” said DCCC Executive Director Lori Jamison. “We are taking steps based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the local Health Department and Emergency Management Agencies to reduce the spread and impact of COVID-19.”
These include:
• enhanced infection control precautions;
• screening residents, staff and essential visitors for expanded list of symptoms;
• the use of Personal Protective Equipment;
• restricting visitation and entry of people to the building;
• testing staff and residents for COVID-19 based on current protocols and availability of tests; and
• Postponing communal activities.
On May 8, 2020, the CMS announced a new reporting structure for facilities to follow. The new structure directs facilities to implement a notification system in which information can be readily provided to residents, responsible parties and family members.
The system will provide a weekly update regarding COVID-19, including the number of active cases in residents and staff. Any new confirmed resident cases will be reported within the next calendar day, according to Jamison.
“In addition, DCCC will report any instance in which three or more residents present with respiratory symptoms over a 72-hour period. The same criteria will be used to report new confirmed cases or symptomatic cases in staff.
“We will be updating our Web site with the most current information. A weekly update will be provided each Friday. Per the guidelines above, any newly confirmed cases or clusters of respiratory symptoms within 72 hours occur, the Web site will be updated by 5 pm the next calendar day.”
She continued, noting that “due to government privacy requirements, we cannot divulge specific information about the individuals who have tested positive or have symptoms of COVID-19.
“The new reporting requirements will not replace our normal communication with you regarding changes in resident condition. Facility staff will continue to contact you directly with any resident changes in condition including symptoms of COVID-19.”
Anyone with questions or concerns for their family members should contact the DuBois Nursing Home, Jamison said.