2 Coronavirus Cases Confirmed At Alabama Nursing Homes

The Alabama Nursing Home Association confirmed Thursday that two nursing homes in the state are now reporting positive cases of the coronavirus. One case involves a nursing home resident, and the other involves an employee, the association's President and CEO Brandon Farmer said in a statement.

While Farmer did not identify the two nursing homes, he said both people who contracted the virus are receiving medical care and are currently isolated from others.

"These two cases show the process of screening staff and residents is working," Farmer said. "Staff members at both nursing homes followed the CDC guidelines for screening symptoms of COVID-19 and took immediate action. They implemented protective protocols, notified residents, families and staff members and contacted public health officials."

According to Farmer, Alabama nursing homes are following guidance from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and not allowing visitors except for medical necessity and end-of-life situations.

Those visitors must then pass the screening protocol. Employees are screened before they begin their shift. In addition, staff are screening residents daily and closely monitoring their health.

"Protecting the health and well-being of our residents and employees remains our top priority," he said. "We continue to be on high alert and will take every precautionary step possible. On behalf of our association, I thank nursing home employees across Alabama who are going above and beyond the call of duty to provide compassionate care to their residents.”

Founded in 1951, the Alabama Nursing Home Association represents 94 percent of the state’s nursing homes. It is Alabama’s oldest and largest long-term and post-acute care trade organization.

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