John Willoughby
reporter2@greenepublishing.com
Following new developments over the weekend, two employees and one resident at Lake Park of Madison Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, in Madison, have tested positive for COVID-19, Executive Director Karen Soehner announced on Monday, April 20.
On Saturday, April 18, Florida released a long list of over 300 nursing facilities in the sunshine state. Lake Park of Madison was listed as the only nursing facility in Madison County with positive cases.
"First, we want to express our heartfelt concern for our resident and staff members who have been diagnosed as positive for the coronavirus. Our thoughts are also with each individual's loved one at this difficult time," says Soehner. "Our residents, resident representatives and staff consider each other family and we have built a very caring culture in our center."
The first positive cases came on Friday, April 17, when the facility was notified by the Florida Department of Health that two employees tested positive for the virus after a visit with their local healthcare providers. In the same afternoon, a resident showed symptoms of COVID-19 and was tested, receiving positive results on Saturday, April 18.
In a press release issued on Monday, April 20, Soehner stated that the nursing and rehabilitation facility is remaining in "very close communication" with health officials – both on a local and state level – to ensure the appropriate measures are being taken in the wake of the recent positive results. The experienced executive director also expressed gratitude to the Madison County Department of Health and Madison County Emergency Management, calling them "outstanding teams."
"We fully recognize how difficult this time is for our residents and for their loved ones who have been restricted from any contact with beloved family members," Soehner added. "Working in conjunction with all appropriate authorities, we are doing everything we can to minimize the risk of exposure to all of our residents and our staff and will continue to do so until the coronavirus threat has subsided."
In March, Lake Park of Madison began screening visitors entering the nursing home, checking their temperatures prior to proceeding past the lobby. Visiting hours were restricted, however, all nursing homes in the state of Florida were ordered to restrict all visitation on Saturday, March 14. The ban remains in effect today.
While visitors remain restricted from entering any nursing facility in the state of Florida, Lake Park of Madison is consistent in protocols by pre-screening residents prior to admission. The facility also continues to practice infection control techniques and dons personal protective equipment, masks and gloves.
Additionally, all residents who show symptoms are being tested for COVID-19. Other residents who are tested are determined by the local health department. "We notify the department of health if any patient develops symptoms," says Soehner. "We screen, we call, they test."
"The Florida Department of Health in Madison County is working with local nursing homes to proactively test residents and staff to prevent the spread of coronavirus," said Lisa Hayes, spokesperson for the Florida Department of Health. "Nursing home populations are at the highest risk of developing serious complications from COVID-19 because residents are typically older or disabled adults often with underlying chronic medical conditions." More information about COVID-19 in long-term care facilities in Florida is available at https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/LTCF-List-041920.pdf.