PRINCETON, W.Va. — The administrator at the Princeton Health Care Center nursing home in Mercer County said Thursday staff members at the home are tired, scared and sad and some of them have become ill from of COVID-19.
In an update on the home’s website, Administrator Stefanie Compton said the remaining staff is working to care for residents who remain at the facility.
“We all want to be here taking care of our PHCC family members,” Compton wrote. “However, any staff members that are currently fighting Covid are not permitted to work and have been given the directive to stay home and follow the guidelines as outlined by us and health officials. Staff members are not permitted to return to work until they are cleared through our infection control team, per CDC guidelines.”
The state Department of Health and Human Resources reported Thursday that 20 residents at the home have tested positive for COVID-19 along with 24 staff members. Four residents have died.
“We are saddened to report that some of our residents have passed due to this deadly virus,” Compton said. “We are keeping our extended family in our prayers and ask that you do the same. We are also saddened to report that some of our employees have become extremely ill. Our hearts are with them all!”
Another round of testing was scheduled to be completed Thursday. Compton said results should be back within 3-5 days. She said there is a potential for more positive cases. The home plans to make some decisions in connection with re-admittance and getting those test results back. Compton said they are planning additional testing next week.
Compton said PHCC has contracted with a company that specializes in the mitigation of COVID-19.
“Their clinical and operations specialists have experience in dealing with Covid-19 throughout WV and Ohio,” she said. “PHCC has worked collaboratively with them on various projects. We look forward to working with them again as we battle Covid.”
Compton said the National Guard has been at the home this week performing decontamination. She said state Health Officer Dr. Ayne Amjad has also been at the home. Compton said Amjad is now serving as the interim director of the Mercer County Health Department. A shakeup there last week resulted in two resignations and a retirement.