April 11, 2020
Spokane: This morning our Spokane Veterans Home received results that ten additional residents who were tested for COVID-19 have tested positive for the virus. This brings the total number of residents who have tested positive at the home to twelve.
So far, the positive tests have been located in one area of the facility and we are working hard to prevent the spread to non-affected areas. The resident’s families were notified that testing was being done and of today’s tests results. Residents in the facility as well as their family members or representatives have also been notified.
“We are learning from the experiences of other long-term care facilities and working to defeat this enemy that has come through our door,” said Lourdes E. Alvarado-Ramos, director of the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs. “Our team is working around the clock to care for our residents and prevent further spread of the virus.”
On April 10, the Spokane Veterans Home leadership team consulted with a Multi-Care Team which was provided by the Washington State Department of Health. They reviewed and approved our employee screening process. We also demonstrated that CDC and DOH regulations around use of PPE and infection control protocols are being followed.
The Multi-Care Team recommended that additional tests be done for residents in the same area of the building. Five residents were symptomatic on April 9 and had tests performed. Those results were returned this morning and were all positive. Thirteen additional residents were tested between April 10 and 11 at the recommendation of the Multi-Care Team, although they did not have symptoms of COVID-19. Five of those resident results came back later this morning and were positive. Seven of the tests were negative and one test is still pending. All residents in the facility continue to be monitored for symptoms of COVID-19 with temperature and symptom checks every 4 hours.
Throughout the facility, additional environmental cleaning has been and continues to be performed on all three shifts to help prevent any additional spread. Since March 30, staff have been wearing additional PPE while providing resident care.
“I want to say how grateful I am for the staff at the Spokane Veterans Home,” said Patrick McNabb, administrator of the Spokane Veterans Home. “The commitment and dedication this team shows to each and every resident is truly without parallel and I am proud of how they are performing during this incredibly uncertain time.”
WDVA will continue to provide updated information online at: www.dva.wa.gov/covid and through dedicated telephone line with a message that will be recorded at noon each day, 509-344-5073. Media inquiries should be addressed to heidia@dva.wa.gov.
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Media Contact
Heidi Audette
Communications and Legislative Director
(360) 725-2154 – office
(360) 791-8966 – cell
heidia@dva.wa.gov