FARMINGTON – Every resident at a northern New Mexico nursing home was tested for the coronavirus after two residents and seven employees tested positive for COVID-19, a care home company said.
Life Care Centers of America issued a statement saying the test results are pending for all of its residents in its Farmington property, the Farmington Daily Times reported. Company officials said about 95% of its employees were tested as of Monday.
There are 19 rooms serving as isolation units with a designated staff for residents who test positive or are exhibiting symptoms, officials said.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.
“Our primary concern is for the health and safety of our residents, nursing staff and other care providers. They are on the front line of this unprecedented outbreak. Our staff is trained in proper use of PPEs and are following all relevant guidelines in infection control. They are putting in heroic efforts to ensure that our patients are receiving the best care,” Life Care Centers of America said in the statement.
As a precaution, all visitors, nonessential health care personnel and vendors are restricted from entering the facility and group activities and communal gatherings inside the facility have stopped, officials said.
All nursing homes in the county have coordinated their responses to the pandemic with the Office of Emergency Management, San Juan County spokesperson Devin Neeley said, adding that personal protective equipment supplies were distributed to Life Care Center of Farmington and other organizations, including masks, gloves and face shields.
“We would encourage family members to reach out to facility leadership with any and all questions. The facility staff can also help coordinate video chats, phone calls, etc., to helped loved ones stay connected,” Life Care Centers of America public relations director Leigh Atherton said in an email to The Daily Times.
