Parkview Health Care Facility employee tests positive for COVID-19
A Parkview Health Care Facility employee has tested positive for COVID-19. Parkview is a skilled nursing facility in Bolivar and is owned and operated by Citizens Memorial Health Care Foundation, Bolivar.
The employee has not worked since Aug. 1, when she developed symptoms and a fever mid-shift Aug. 1 and went home. The employee was tested for coronavirus Aug. 4 and received test results Aug. 5. Parkview administration has contacted residents, family members and employees of the potential exposure.
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. Parkview Health Care Facility 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 facility and CMH Foundation are working closely with the Polk County Health Department, Citizens Memorial Hospital infection prevention specialists and Department of Health and Senior Services – Long-Term Care Division to rapidly contain any possible exposures. The employee is at home in quarantine and is being monitored by the Polk County Health Department.
“We are thankful for the support of the entire CMH system and our staff teamwork,” says Tim Francka, CMH administrative director of long-term care. “We will continue to be diligent in all of our infection prevention efforts.”
Parkview Health Care Facility has 70 residents and 108 employees. All residents and employees will be tested Monday, Aug. 10, and closely monitored for symptoms. The facility has canceled group activities and discontinued communal dining with residents being served their meals in their rooms.
Parkview 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.
CMH and CMH Foundation encourage safe behaviors and following CDC recommendations including face coverings, hand hygiene, social distancing, limiting travel and staying home if you are sick