CMH Foundation employee tests positive for COVID-19

A Citizens Memorial Health Care Foundation employee that works at both Ash Grove Healthcare Facility, Ash Grove and Lake Stockton Healthcare Facility, Stockton, has tested positive for COVID-19.

AGHCF and LSHCF are owned and operated by CMH Foundation, Bolivar.

The employee was asymptomatic and last worked at LSHCF Wednesday, Aug. 19, and at AGHCF Thursday, Aug. 20. The employee learned Friday, Aug. 21, of being in direct contact with an individual who tested positive for COVID-19 and was tested Saturday, Aug. 22.

AGHCF and LSHCF administration have contacted residents, family members and employees of the potential exposure. The employee is quarantined at home and is being monitored by the Greene County Health Department.

AGHCF has 71 residents and 88 employees and LSHCF has 78 residents and 90 employees. All residents and employees of LSHCF will be tested Wednesday, Aug. 26, and AGHCF will be tested Thursday, Aug. 27. Both residents and employees will be closely monitored for symptoms. Both facilities have canceled outdoor and open window visits and also group activities and discontinued communal dining with residents being served their meals in their rooms.

CMH Foundation operates six long-term care facilities in Ash Grove, Bolivar, Buffalo, El Dorado Springs and Stockton, and one residential care center in Bolivar.

CMH Foundation facilities follow Center for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. AGHCF and LSHCF employees are screened each shift for COVID-19 symptoms, have their temperature taken before being allowed to work and must wear a mask, eye protection and other personal protective equipment during their shifts. Employees who test positive or develop symptoms of COVID-19 do not return to work until they are recovered and receive clearance.

Additional preventative measures include extensive hand-washing, practicing social distancing, disinfecting and restricting in-person visitations.

The facilities and CMH Foundation are working closely with health departments in Greene and Cedar counties, Citizens Memorial Hospital infection prevention specialists and Department of Health and Senior Services – Long-Term Care Division to rapidly contain any possible exposures.

CMH Foundation encourages family members and friends to stay connected to residents during this time and use technology and alternative communication methods including Skype, FaceTime, phone calls and email.