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NATICK – Mary Ann Morse Healthcare Center in Natick confirmed 4 cases of COVID-19 among residents and 4 positive test results in staff members, said Mary Ann Morse Healthcare Corp. President/CEO Lisa Kubiak.
“There are additional staff members for whom tests are currently pending,” said the CEO.
Families members called SOURCE this afternoon concerned about family members after seeing National Guard onsite.
“The National Guard is onsite at the direction of the Department of Public Health, so that any resident displaying symptoms may remain in the building for testing. This is for their comfort and safety,” said the CEO to SOURCE tonight, April 8.
“The National Guard is scheduled to return tomorrow to complete any further testing, for any resident displaying symptoms,” said the CEO.
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There have been no deaths related to COVID-19 at Mary Ann Morse Healthcare Center, said Kubiak.
“Both Mary Ann Morse facilities continue to follow strict infectious disease protocols to prevent the spread of the virus. We have been and will continue to work with Public Health officials,” said the CEO.
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The two MetroWest acilities are following, and in most cases exceeding, all mandates from the CDC, DPH, EOEA, and local Board of Healths, said Kubiak.
This includes:
Medical screenings of all staff at the beginning of every shift
Allowing only the most essential direct care employees/service providers into the community
Taking Resident temperatures twice each day and monitoring for symptoms
Testing when Residents display any symptoms
“Our facilities are equipped with N95 masks, gloves, and gowns. Like any healthcare facility at this time, acquiring sufficient quantities of
PPE is a challenge. We continue to seek out every possible avenue for acquiring additional equipment,” said the CEO.
“The health and safety of our residents and staff is paramount to us. We will continue to actively monitor the situation and strictly enforce every possible protocol to prevent the spread,” said the CEO.
“We urge Massachusetts’ Department of Public Health to release publicly the names of nursing facilities with confirmed COVID-19 cases,” wrote AARP Massachusetts on behalf of its 775,000 AARP members in Massachusetts.
“Contrary to concerns that such disclosures would violate a patient’s health privacy, we do not believe HIPAA precludes a state health agency from releasing the names of facilities because a facility is not a covered entity as defined by federal law. We believe transparency and notice to the public is critical for public health,” wrote AARP Massachusetts.
“Moreover, caregivers and family members need and deserve to have this information for their own health decisions and as they consider possible next steps and interventions for their loved ones,” wrote AARP Massachusetts.
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MetroWest Medical Center