Erlanger physicians takes extra measures to determine if Care Center employee has COVID-19

Following the most current guidance for presumptive positives as defined by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, all presumptive positives are handled as if they are true positives until a confirmatory test comes back as negative.

Due to the nature of this facility being a skilled nursing facility with multiple live-in residents; the Care Center’s Medical Director, Executive Director, and the Clay County Health Department Staff decided to err on the side of caution and be proactive in assuring we are doing what is best for the health of the community and doing preemptive COVID-19 testing for all staff and residents. Testing began within 5 hours of the initial notification from the hospital to the Health Department and extensive coordination happened in a tight time frame from all parties involved to assure all state guidance and recommendations are followed.

The Clay County Care Center has notified all employees and 98% of families where most appropriate – leaving messages for the rest. All contacted have been most appreciative of these efforts, and testing will be completed by the afternoon of April 17.

Scott Alexander, Executive Director for the Care Center, wants to stress that any families that might have any further questions can reach out at any time.

The Clay County Health Department is working diligently on this matter, and more information will be forthcoming.

For information about an asymptomatic patient who worked at The Local Market, click here.