The nurse, who last worked in the Aurora assisted-living building at the Turtlecreek Twp. campus on April 20, was isolated at home after testing positive with no symptoms, according a notice sent Wednesday to residents and their families.
Since news of the novel coronavirus surfaced, Otterbein has had stringent guidelines in place to protect residents.
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“In addition, in the last few days Otterbein has engaged a proactive testing program designed to test all nursing, assisted living and apartment residents and partners (employees), even those displaying no symptoms,” the notice from Kendra Couch, executive director of Otterbein Lebanon, said. “Upon learning of the test result, she was notified and has been isolated at home. While our nurse was masked and exercising social isolation whenever practical, we are working with the Warren County Health Department, in conjunction with the Ohio Department of Health, to track any potential contacts.”
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In response to questions this morning, Otterbein said it was awaiting other results from the recent testing, done to “isolate positive cases, and then contact trace to identify COVID earlier than department of health guidelines, which focus on testing after symptoms appear.”
Every employee and resident in nursing, assisted living and independent living apartments on campus “either have been or will soon be tested. So far, only one positive result has been returned, according to Gary Horning, vice president for marketing and communications for Otterbein.
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“We have no other positive tests at this point in time – no one in the hospital – no one with symptoms - none officially quarantined,” Horning added. “For now, a combination of preventative measures and luck has kept us nearly clean at Otterbein Lebanon”.
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In addition to safeguards already in place, Otterbein added “the following measures for all Aurora residents,” according to Wednesday’s message to residents and families.
• Otterbein Lebanon partners will reach out to all residents located in the Aurora, and their families,
• All residents will be isolated in their respective rooms, for at least five days and until they are tested and results are returned.
• All residents in the Aurora will continue to be clinically assessed daily for signs and symptoms of COVID-19.
• All partners and contractors working in the building will wear masks, and other personal protective equipment as is necessary.
• All persons entering the building will continue to be screened for signs and symptoms of COVID-19, before they are allowed to enter the building.
• All residents will be asked to wear face masks when staff are in their rooms.
• We will remain in contact with the Ohio Department of Health for support or direction.
• And we will remain in close contact with the partner – she is a part of our family”.
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