22 Fountain Circle residents have virus
Published 12:28 pm Tuesday, May 26, 2020
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At least 22 residents of Signature HealthCARE at Fountain Circle, a Winchester nursing home, have COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.
As of Saturday, according to a recorded message provided by the company, 22 residents had tested positive for the virus, including six in the past 24 hours.
There had also been one new staff member who had tested positive, bringing the total to seven.
All of these positive tests have occurred within the past 14 days.
No residents or staff members have recovered from the illness and none have died, according to the recording.
The company has issued a statement saying the number of positive cases reported should not be seen as the result of an “outbreak,” but of a proactive approach to test everyone at the facility in accordance with public health guidelines.
“This approach allows us to immediately identify the scope of the virus in the facility and work swiftly to contain any further spread,” the company said in a press release.
In the recording, Signature HealthCARE said its response includes isolating those who test positive in a separate unit or wing of the facility with separate staff and supplies, restricting access to the building, screening everyone who comes inside, using an infectious disease specialist and an on-call infectious disease physician, and working closely with the local Health Department.
The company says that when a patient tests positive, it calls the patient’s responsible party or guardian to let them know, but it is up to that person to notify other family members. By federal law, the nursing home can only notify, brief and counsel the responsible party on record.
However, anyone can call the nursing home’s hotline for a daily update recording at 349-0518.