CMH nurse tests positive for COVID-19

Citizens Memorial Hospital administration is informing co-workers, medical providers and the public that a nurse on the medical/surgical unit at CMH has tested positive Saturday, June 20, for COVID-19.

The nurse is at home recovering in quarantine. The source of infection is believed to be travel related.

The nurse worked on the unit Wednesday, June 17, and participated in a CPR class Thursday morning, June 18, before showing symptoms of the virus.

“CMH continues to practice universal masking, diligent hand hygiene and social distancing for all employees and has taken steps to prepare for this type of situation,” says Joy Smith, R.N., CMH infection prevention coordinator. “The nurse recognized and immediately reported the symptoms at the time of onset and followed our policy to ensure co-workers and patients were not put at risk.”

CMH infection prevention staff are working closely with the Polk County Health Department and contacting CMH co-workers, patients and others who may have been in close contact with the employee for potential exposure to the virus. CMH will be closely monitoring co-workers for symptoms.

CMH employees are screened each shift for COVID-19 symptoms, have their temperature taken before being allowed to work and wear a mask. Additionally, patients who have appointments at the hospital or the Douglas Medical Center are screened for COVID-19 symptoms, have their temperatures checked and are asked to wear masks. If they don’t have a mask, one is provided.

“We are working to ensure the safety of our patients and employees during these challenging times,” says Gary Fulbright, CEO/executive director of CMH and CMH Foundation. “As COVID-19 cases rise in the area it is not entirely unexpected that we would have cases confirmed in our caregivers. We are prepared and have protocols in place to protect our employees, patients, residents and the community.”

COVID-19 affects different people in different ways. For more information about symptoms and warning signs for the virus, go to www.cdc.gov/coronavirus