One additional Colonial Springs employee tests positive for COVID-19, residents not infected

One additional Colonial Springs Healthcare Center employee tested positive for COVID-19 and no residents have been infected with the virus.

The employee last worked July 14 at 6 p.m., became symptomatic July 15 and was tested the same day and received negative results July 16. The employee tested again during the mass testing event at the facility July 17 and was positive.

“It is important to recognize the symptoms of COVID-19 and if you are not feeling well or you notice something unusual, be certain to contact your health care provider. You may be in the early stages of developing COVID-19,” says Joylyn Smith, Citizens Memorial Hospital infection prevention coordinator.

Colonial Springs reported July 8 that an employee tested positive for COVID-19 and two additional employees tested positive July 10. The facility held its first mass testing of 108 employees and 115 residents July 10. One hundred fifteen employees and 109 residents were tested July 17.

The four Colonial Springs employees are quarantined at home and are being monitored by the Dallas County Health Department.

Colonial Springs is a skilled nursing facility in Buffalo and is owned and operated by Citizens Memorial Health Care Foundation, Bolivar. 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.

All CMH Foundation long-term care facility employees wear masks, eye protection and other personal protective equipment during their shifts. Additionally, employees are screened at the beginning of their shifts for coronavirus symptoms including fever. Employees who test positive or develop symptoms of COVID-19 do not return to work until they are recovered and receive clearance.

Colonial Springs residents and staff will continue to be monitored closely for any symptoms of COVID-19. Another mass testing event is scheduled for next week.