MARSHALL (KMHL) – Nine residents at Avera Morningside Heights Care Center in Marshall have tested positive for COVID-19.
The medical center confirmed the news through a press release Friday afternoon.
Avera Marshall said it has opened a separate unit for COVID-positive residents, in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, and in an attempt to minimize exposure to other residents in the facility.
“The health and safety of our residents is our top priority,” said Avera Marshall Vice President of Clinical Operations Dodie Derynck. “Our team has worked tirelessly to protect the health of our residents over the course of the pandemic to date. We have followed all recommended guidance from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and the Minnesota Department of Health. We will continue to take all precautions possible to stop the spread of this virus in our facility.”
According to Avera, local medical staff with support from Avera eCARE Senior Care are able to care for residents in place.
“With the help of Avera eCARE Senior Care, our centers are ready to care for many of these residents in place. Certainly if their symptoms are serious enough they would be transferred to the hospital,” Derynck added.
Avera says it has been testing staff and residents routinely over the last several weeks. The medical center says those processes will continue to be screened daily for symptoms.
