WACO, TX — The Waco-McLennan County Public Health District is working with LakeShore Village Healthcare Center to investigate a positive case of COVID-19 in their facility.
The Public Health District says they received positive confirmation of the case on Thursday, May 28th and began planning with LakeShore Village Healthcare Center to test all residents and staff.
"All residents and family members were notified of the situation. Because of the serious nature of the virus, testing all staff and residents regardless of symptoms is necessary to stop the spread of the virus within the facility."
The testing was conducted on Friday, May 29th by Public Health District staff and the Waco Fire Department.
228 individuals were tested that included all resident patients and staff.
The Texas Department of State Health Services lab in Austin, TX will be testing the samples.
The Public Health District says they have begun the contact tracing process.
Any resident with COVID-19 symptoms will be isolated within the facility and any staff member with COVID-19 symptoms must self quarantine away from the facility and must test negative before returning to work.
If you have a family member at a long-term care facility and are concerned about the facilities COVID-19 plan, the health district says you should ask the facility the following questions:
- What their COVID-19 plans are?
- What are they doing to protect residents?
- What will they do if someone in the facility has COVID-19?
Lakeshore Village released a statement saying:
"We understand this is an unsettling and scary time for families and greatly appreciate their concern. The Center is in communication with residents’ family members to inform them about the measures they are taking to provide quality care for residents while keeping them updated on any significant changes to their loved ones’ condition."
Lakeshore Village says they continue to take significant measures to protect all residents and staff, including:
- Providing appropriate PPE, taking heightened precautions and adhering to protocols outlined by the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
- Before every shift, assessing the health of staff and screen all staff members and outside essential healthcare professionals for respiratory illness, which includes a temperature check.
- If a staff member does not feel well, they have clear direction to stay home. The Center has put in place a number of support mechanisms to help them during this time.
- Restricting visitation at this time based on guidance from the CDC and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
"The Center will continue to work with the Waco-McLennan County Public Health District and follow their guidance. The Center will also continue to be transparent with all information released to the authorities, family members and the wider public, while maintaining the dignity and privacy of each of our residents. The Center appreciates the continued support of the long-term care community, and the agencies and associations that support their efforts."
The Texas Department of Health and Human Services regulates long-term care facilities. Call 800-458-9858 to reported suspected abuse or neglect that occurs in a nursing home, assisted living facility or day activity and health services.
