OFFICIAL MEDIA STATEMENT

TO: Media and Press Representatives
FROM: CENTENNIAL HEALTHCARE CENTER
DATE: April 2, 2020
RE: CENTER-LEVEL CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) STATEMENT
At this time, we can confirm that we have had twenty-three (23) residents at Centennial
Healthcare Center who have tested positive for COVID-19. Unfortunately, we have had
six (6) deaths. There are fifteen (15) residents currently receiving treatment at
the Center. Two (2) have been transported to the hospital to be treated, while others are
in isolation at the center. Any residents at the Center who are symptomatic are being
isolated.
Ensuring residents and staff have protection to keep them safe during this pandemic is
of utmost importance to us. We are doing everything in our power to protect our
residents and staff. This includes providing appropriate PPE. We are working diligently to
take heightened precautions and to adhere to protocols outlined by the Center for
Disease Control (CDC). We are also working closely with our local health department to
prevent exposure and to protect all our residents and staff at the Center. We are also in
regular contact with our suppliers and vendors, as well as our pharmacy providers to
ensure the center has access to the equipment, supplies and medications necessary to
maintain care for our residents and patients.
In addition, we have increased our communication with both resident representatives,
staff, families and partners. Upon confirming a positive case of COVID-19 at our Center,
we notify staff and call families. We are providing frequent updates and guidance to
center teams so that they have the most current information, education and prevention
protocols in place, including those from the Centers for Disease Control among other
agencies.
Finally, the Center has been provided with a Preparation Checklist for Reducing the
Spread of Respiratory Illness and has been advised to exercise extreme diligence in
compliance with CDC guidelines. Before every shift, we assess the health of our
staff and screen all staff members for respiratory illness, which includes a temperature
check. In addition, we screen all outside essential health care professionals prior to
entering the facility. If a staff member does not feel well, they have clear direction to
stay home, and we have put in place a number of support mechanisms to help them
during this time. We are restricting visitation at this time based on guidance from the
CDC and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updated information and
education to the Center, staff, patients, residents and families, as updates become
available. We appreciate the continued support of the long-term care community, and
the agencies and associations that support us in our efforts.