ROCK SPRINGS — Two residents and seven Sage View Care Center employees have tested positive for the COVID-19 Coronavirus.
Sweetwater county continues to see a steady increase in positive COVID-19 cases, as the county currently reports 141 confirmed cases and 36 probable cases.
Due to the highly contagious nature of COVID-19 and the fact that it can be spread by asymptomatic individuals who have the virus but who do not have any signs or symptoms of the disease, healthcare authorities understand that even best practices cannot guarantee that COVID-19 will not find its way into healthcare facilities, other business, and even our homes.
Sage View Care Center is currently caring for approximately 41 residents. At this time, two residents are currently in an active COVID-19 state. These residents are subject to isolation protocols. There has been one COVID-19 related death at the facility.
Sage View employs around 75 front-line workers. At this time, routine screening and testing resulted in seven staff members testing positive for COVID-19. These staff members were immediately sent home and are not allowed to return to work until return to work criteria set by the CDC, CMS and local health department is met.
Our center continues to work alongside the Wyoming Public Health Department and other healthcare providers in collaboration to protect the health of our seniors and vulnerable population within our community. This includes routine testing, especially after possible exposure occurs.
Extraordinary efforts are being made to protect those under our care. We only allow essential healthcare workers and other persons permitted by state and federal health authorities into our facility. They are not allowed to enter the building until after they pass COVID-19 screening protocols which include temperature and evaluation of signs and symptoms associated with COVID-19. Once inside the building, sanitation protocols are in place which include wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment.
In addition, visitors are not allowed in the building per state and federal guidelines. To facilitate communication between residents and family, electronic communication devices are made available for FaceTime, Skype and other social media such as our Facebook page for family and friends.
We follow strict infection control protocols. In addition, education, training and in-house surveys are conducted to identify any potential process improvements. In accordance with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control, state health agencies, and federal health officials, we perform regular testing of both residents and staff.
We regularly communicate with our residents and their families and provide them COVID-19 related updates through phone calls, automated recordings, and our website. We are also in constant communication with state and federal health authorities to make sure we are responding appropriately to COVID-19 cases and that our policies and procedures are in compliance with current guidelines.
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all of us in many ways. Our hearts go out to all those who are struggling during this time. It is a difficult time for everyone. We are proud of our healthcare workers who work tirelessly to care for those in our facility.
