The Center of Family Love has its first confirmed case of COVID-19 on its main campus in Okarche, reports Executive Director Debbie Espinosa.
One of the 130 intellectually and physically disabled individuals the organization serves tested positive for COVID-19 on May 13, 2020, Espinosa said.
“Our residents’ health, safety and well-being are always our first priority,” Espinosa said. “In addition to the extensive preventative measures we put in place on March 13th, we have also been preparing to reduce the impact and the spread of the virus if one or more of our residents were exposed to and ultimately contracted this virus. Shortly after the pandemic began, we designed an isolation unit complete with its own shower facilities, laundry room, and nursing station, as well as separate air ventilation for each isolation room.”
As a direct-care provider for a vulnerable population, CFL took immediate action to isolate the individual at the first onset of mild symptoms that began May 9 while waiting for the results of a COVID-19 test.
“This one resident has been in the isolation unit now for five days and will remain in quarantine until further direction from our Medical Director, Dr. Sydney Haggins,” Espinosa said “The test came back positive the morning of May 13th, and we are continuing to enforce the strictest standards for care in the isolation unit while also maintaining complete separation for our other residents throughout the organization.”
CFL staff members have been following CDC guidelines regarding personal protective equipment in order to protect themselves and the organization’s residents from COVID-19. The organization has also designated separate staff to work in the isolation unit to further reduce the risk of transmission.
“Our other residents’ exposure was minimized due to early isolation of the individual at the first sign of mild symptoms,” said Espinosa. “However, the individuals who are living in the same building as the resident who tested positive for COVID-19 are now being quarantined in their own bedrooms. Additionally, all other houses remain on separate schedules with limited interaction or cross-contamination among residents.”
On Thursday, there had been 116 cases of COVID-19 reported in Canadian County including three deaths. There have been 10 cases reported in Kingfisher County.
Statewide, there have been 4,962 cases and 284 deaths.
Espinosa said the center will continue maintaining its extreme preventative policies it has upheld since March 13, including a closed-campus policy allowing only medically essential personnel on campus, in order to reduce the spread of this virus. Additionally, the organization has pledged to rely on the advice of medical experts on how to proceed for the safety of both residents and staff.
“I ask you to please pray for everyone at the Center in this uncertain time,” said Espinosa. “God has always provided for His children at the Center of Family Love, and we know that He hears and answers our prayers. We need your support now more than ever before.”
