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MINNIE HAMILTON REPORTS STAFF MEMBER POSITIVE COVID-19 |
| (04/22/2020) |
| April 21, 2020 - A postive COVID-19 case reported by Minnie Hamilton Health System is a hospital staff member, reportedly a resident of another county. MHHS CEO STEVE WHITEHEAD RELEASES INFORMATION In an effort to maintain transparency and keep the community informed, Minnie Hamilton Health System (MHHS) would like to communicate the following information: On Sunday, April 19, 2020, MHHS was notified that one of our employees tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. Per CDC guidelines, this situation did not require testing of staff or residents, however, upon notification of the positive test result, a decision was made to go beyond the guidelines and test our Long Term Care residents as well as any staff that have had possible exposure despite ongoing safety protocols. While it is necessary to maintain the privacy of the employee, we feel that it is important to share that MHHS is working diligently, and will continue to work, to protect our residents, patients, community and staff by promoting a safe environment. Use of proper personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks and gloves along with handwashing is a part of our daily routine and lastly, but not least, our staff are screened at the beginning of each shift for respiratory symptoms with temperatures monitored every four hours. I can assure the public that all actions taken were for precautionary measures only, and that we acted above and beyond the recommendations of the CDC. All appropriate agencies have been notified, and although a full understanding of the reporting requirements is very difficult to explain, the positive case will not show up in Calhoun County numbers. A positive test shows up in the county in which the person resides. As a further note, many of you are aware of Governor Justices mandate to test all nursing home residents and staff. We were already in the process of scheduling such action, even before the Governors order came out. Residents of nursing homes are a vulnerable population, and we will continue to take every action necessary, as well as go beyond guidance in the protection of our residents. Although with all this news, all the testing, and all the anxiety this pandemic has created for all of us, I can assure the public, with no hesitation, that we are and will continue to take every step and every measure imaginable to protect you. If you have any questions, please contact me at stephen.whited@mhhs.healthare or 304-354- 9735. |
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