Two CMH Foundation long-term care facilities under quarantine due to virus exposure

Colonial Springs Healthcare Center, Buffalo and Citizens Memorial Healthcare Facility, Bolivar are under quarantine after a Citizens Memorial Hospital employee worked at both facilities and later tested positive for COVID-19.

The employee was asymptomatic when working at CSHCC Aug. 22 and CMHCF Aug. 22 and 23, and later developed symptoms and was tested for coronavirus Aug. 24. The employee is quarantined at home and is being monitored by the Greene County Health Department.

CSHCC and CMHCF administration have contacted residents, family members and employees of the potential exposure.

CSHCC has 108 residents and 110 employees and CMHCF has 101 residents and 115 employees. All residents and employees of both facilities will be tested Friday, Aug. 28, and will be monitored closely for symptoms. Both facilities have canceled outdoor and open window visits and group activities. They have also discontinued communal dining and residents will be 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. CSHCC and CMHCF 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 Dallas and Polk 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.