Coronavirus

2 Cases of COVID-19 Found in JeffCo Nursing Homes

Illustration, created at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reveals ultrastructural morphology exhibited by coronaviruses. Source: CDC.

Two cases of coronavirus have been positively diagnosed at two Jefferson County nursing homes.

Alabama Nursing Home Association President  Brandon Farmer today said the cases involve a resident at one home and a worker at the other.

“Both are receiving the medical care they need and are isolated from others. We hope both will make a full recovery,” Farmer said.

Both cases were discovered through screening by nursing home staff who then took action, Flowers said.

Protective protocols were implemented with public health officials, residents, families and staff members notified.

The nurse who tested positive for the virus worked at Aspire Cahaba River, 3070 Healthy Way in Vestavia Hills, according to a news release from NHS Management.

The administrative nurse complained of not feeling well Monday, was sent home and then saw her doctor. The nursing home was notified Wednesday afternoon that the nurse had tested positive for coronavirus.

The nurse and her coworkers with whom she spends substantial amounts of time were asked to go home and self-isolate.

The nurse was not responsible for primary care of residents, said Madolyn Kirby of NHS Management.

Aspire is enacting the required protocols to help ensure the safety of its residents and employees, Kirby said. “We are asking for the understanding and patience of the families with loved ones in our care as we do our very best to ensure the well-being of our residents,” she added.

Officials have not identified the other Jefferson County nursing home where a coronavirus case was reported.

Since Saturday, nursing homes have not allowed visitors except for medical necessity or end-of-life situations. Those visitors are screened, as are employees when they begin their shifts. Nursing home staff screen residents daily and closely monitor their health, Flowers said.

The nursing homes and assisted livings started screening visitors and cutting back on public access Tuesday, before Jefferson County had its first confirmed case of the virus.

This story will be updated.