Imperial Manor, Parkview-Heights continue to deal with COVID cases

Despite every precaution possible being taken by staff, the Imperial Manor and Parkview-Heights facilities continue to battle COVID-19.
As of Oct. 25, there were eight residents and eight staff on the Manor side positive for coronavirus.
On the Parkview-Heights side, two residents and four staff have tested positive for a total of 22 positive COVID cases overall in both facilities since the first case was confirmed in late September.
“We continue to check all staff upon entering the building for a temperature and symptoms. If they have either they are not allowed to enter the building,” said Eric Haider, CEO.
All staff have been getting tested twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with all Manor and Parkview-Heights residents tested weekly per ICAP and Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD) requirements until all residents and staff test negative for two consecutive weeks, he said.
“All staff are required to wear full PPE (gown, gloves, face shield and N-95 mask) at all times while working,” Haider said.
Margie Haider, Director of Nursing, said most of the cases were in the south wing, so non-infected residents were moved out and the south wing is now a dedicated Red Zone for positive COVID cases.
“We made a break room for staff and the south wing is completely self-contained with a barrier to separate it from the rest of the facility,” she said.
All communal activities have been stopped as of the end of September-beginning of October, she said.
 Most of the positive cases have been mild to no symptoms.
“It is so bizarre—people testing positive, some with no symptoms or temperatures. Yet, they can still infect others. I’ve never seen anything like it,” Margie said.
Residents with certain underlying conditions may require hospitalization as opposed to just quarantine.
If oxygen levels get below 94%, hospitalization with oxygen therapy and five doses of Remdesivir are administered, she said.
“Most of the residents currently quarantined in the Red Zone will be moved out next week to a different area,” Margie said.
“Most of the staff who tested positive have recovered or are recovering well,” Haider added.
Margie said it has been a long haul since the pandemic began.
“Staff and residents are worn out, stressed, frustrated and scared,” she said.
“But I am very proud of the staff. They have worked hard and diligently—taking on extra duties and covering for those that can’t be there— they are a hell of a team,” she said.
Apply for extra money
The senior care facilities remain closed to the public.
Margie said if anyone would like to make some extra money  and help with small non-hands-on tasks or visit with residents to provide some extra human interaction, they can apply.

To read more go to: https://etypeservices.com/Imperial%20RepublicanID359/