KANE — The Lutheran Home at Kane is making the community aware of its first employee positive case of COVID-19 (coronavirus). Administration was informed Wednesday morning that an employee had tested positive for the virus and actions plans were put into place immediately. The test results have been reported to the Department of Health.
The positive employee is not working at this time but was in the facility performing nursing duties on their last day of work which was Aug. 25.
“We continue to follow CDC guidelines and we are taking every precaution to ensure the virus does not spread in the building,” said Charlotte Floravit, Nursing Home Administrator.
The COVID-19 prevention guidelines for The Lutheran Home at Kane residents remain very strict. Group activities and communal dining have once again been postponed. Those who enter the wings continue to be limited to essential staff wearing the additional proper personal protective equipment including N95 masks, face shields, gloves and gowns.
Transmission-based precautions with laundry services and housekeeping are still being followed. High touch areas are cleaned frequently including surfaces such as doorknobs, switches, remotes, tables, sinks, and toilets. All residents and staff are screened twice daily for signs, symptoms and temperature. Residents and staff will be tested weekly moving forward. The first round of testing began Wednesday afternoon and will be completed by the end of the week.
With a positive case of the virus, the Lutheran Home goes back to stage one which includes no visitation. At this time we cannot allow outdoor or Speak Easy visits. Window visits will be the only means of visitation but windows are required to be closed at all times and visitors MUST wear a mask.
“Our number one priority is for the safety and welfare of our residents and staff. Our staff is going above and beyond to keep your loved ones safe. Employees have been diligent for the past 6 months in keeping the virus out of our building and will do everything they can to ensure the virus does not spread through the home. We appreciate your support during this very challenging time,” stated Floravit.
