MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The first nursing home in the state to report a COVID-19 case, Sundale Nursing Home is now COVID-free, according to officials.
West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources Secretary Bill Crouch said Monday he heard from Sundale officials who were thankful for the state’s quick response following the March 22 report of a positive case.
“They’re response was to thank the governor,” Crouch said. “On March 23 the governor activated the National Guard to go up and test the patients and employees.”
Crouch said the leadership shown by Sundale CEO Michael Hicks and Medical Officer Dr. Carl Shrader gave employees the confidence to continue doing their jobs.
“This is a situation where being first in the state and not knowing what to expect,” Crouch said. “Those employees ran to the fire everyday-day in, and day out, day in, and day out.”
According to the DHHR coronavirus website, Sundale had 40 residents and 15 employees that tested positive for COVID-19, five residents died as a result of the virus.
“At this point, they can have a little celebration that they’ve beat this disease at this point,” Crouch said.
Secretary Crouch also praised the state-level response early on.
“We thank the governor for his immediate response to this and facilitating testing the patients and employees to keep this outbreak to a minimum,” Crouch said.