CMHCF staff and residents test positive for COVID-19

Citizens Memorial Healthcare Facility has received results of its most recent coronavirus mass testing performed Sept. 11. Eight residents and two employees have tested positive for COVID-19.

CMHCF is owned and operated by Citizens Memorial Health Care Foundation, Bolivar.

One employee last worked at the facility Sept. 11 and the other employee worked the morning of Sept. 12. Neither employee that tested positive had a fever or other obvious symptoms of the virus while working. Both employees are home in quarantine and are being monitored by the Polk County Health Department.

“While these test results are not the news we had hoped for, we have been preparing for this and have activated our plans to protect our residents from further spread,” said Tim Francka, CMH Foundation administrative director of long-term care.

The positive residents are in isolation and are all located on one hall of the facility. The residents are being closely monitored for symptoms of the virus.

“We are working closely with our infection prevention experts, the local health department and state agencies to do everything we can to minimize the spread of the virus,” Francka said.

CMHCF administration has contacted residents, family members and employees of the results. Follow-up mass testing for residents and employees will be held Friday, Sept. 18.

CMH Foundation facilities follow Center for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. CMHCF employees are screened each shift for COVID-19 symptoms, have their temperature taken daily and wear personal protective equipment including masks and eye protection during their shifts. Additional preventative measures include extensive hand-washing, social distancing, disinfecting and restricting in-person visitations.

CMHCF encourages family members and friends to stay connected to residents and to use technology and alternative communication methods including Skype, FaceTime, phone calls and email.