It is alleged that the facility had five cases of COVID and that the facility has communal dining, not requiring facial coverings and not taking the proper precautions.

Interviews with (7) out of (7) staff deny the allegation. Staff interviews indicated that the facility follows all protocols in place to mitigate a COVID outbreak. Staff stated, as soon as symptoms were reported by residents or staff, testing was conducted on site. Residents who tested positive were placed on isolation; however, med-tech and caregiving staff continued to conduct wellness checks on all residents as normally as possible. Positive cases were reported to administrative staff, physicians, family and to the local public health department. Staff received refresher training on the proper use of PPE and safe sanitation practices, and staff who had direct contact with residents with COVID wore the proper PPE and disposed of it accordingly after use. Staff further indicated, face masks were mandatory for all staff and made available for residents, via carts placed in the facility’s hallways which were stocked with sanitizing wipes, disinfectant spray, masks and gloves. Testing was conducted daily during the peak of the outbreak for all residents and staff and all activities and communal dining were suspended temporarily. Meals were provided to all residents in their room using disposable cutlery and dishes. Common areas and resident rooms were cleaned and disinfected constantly. Interviews with (7) residents indicated that facility staff took the proper precautions to prevent the spread of infection. Residents stated that the facility was constantly being cleaned and sanitized and that all staff were observed wearing masks. Residents stated that they were tested throughout the outbreak and that meals were delivered to their rooms and all activities and eating in the dining area were canceled temporarily. Interview with Public Health Service Representative indicated that the facility followed infection control procedures as best as possible and testing and positive cases were reported accordingly. Service Representative further indicated Public Health Department was informed about the practices conducted at the facility to help prevent infection, which were taking place during the spike and further stated they have no concerns regarding the facility not being responsive during their outbreak. Review of the facility’s Infection Control Plan and COVID Protocol and Preparedness Plan indicates that the facility is following measures to prevent infection. LPA toured the facility and did not observe any infectious materials or fluids not properly managed.

Based on interviews, record review and observations, the allegation could not be corroborated. Although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is no preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violation(s) did or did not occur, therefore the allegation is unsubstantiated. An exit interview was conducted with Kevin Taliaferro, Executive Director and a copy of this report was provided.