March 28, 2020
Dear residents, family, and team members of Walker Methodist,
Since March 13, all employees who have come into the Walker Methodist Health Center have undergone active screening, which includes having their temperature taken, answering questions about their health, travel, and exposure to others with COVID diagnoses.
However, I want to inform you that we have learned about a team member of the Health Center who has just tested positive for COVID-19, but who had never been in the community while symptomatic. We are delighted to hear that the team member is doing well and is recovering in isolation at home.
At no time did the employee exhibit any symptoms while in the community. In fact, the team member’s last day in the building (March 17) was two days before they were symptomatic, which began with a fever on March 19.
We are encouraged and optimistic because more than a week has passed, the employee was never symptomatic in the community, and there are no patients or residents of the community exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms. They are being checked daily for symptoms.
We are working closely with the Department of Health, following their guidelines and recommendations, and sharing any and all information with them that they request. We ask that the privacy of the team member be honored during this time so that they can focus on healing, and so that we can focus on delivering excellent care. In like manner, Walker Methodist will maintain their confidentiality by not disclosing details surrounding the case.
You know that the safety of our team members, residents, and patients is our top priority. We care for each of them like family, and we hope that you will join us in praying for this team member and for the Walker Methodist family, that all the safety measures we have put in place will continue to be effective in stopping the virus from spreading.
Thank you for your continued support of Walker Methodist. Together, we will overcome.
Scott Riddle
President and CEO, Walker Methodist