May 2, 2020 (AURORA) — Today, the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) announced the results from the April 29 COVID-19 testing of staff and residents at the Veterans Community Living Center at Fitzsimons.
CDHS worked with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and the State Emergency Operations Center to have the National Guard perform testing of all staff and residents to identify any additional COVID-19 cases and asymptomatic carriers.
Results received May 1 show that two staff and 16 residents tested positive on the 29th. This means in total, there are now 9 staff members and 23 residents that have tested positive, and of those, tragically, three residents have succumbed to the virus.
“Our thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones to this virus, as well as our residents and staff who are fighting this virus, and we hope all experience quick recoveries,” said CDHS Executive Director Michelle Barnes. “In times like these, we are thankful for our staff and team that continue to show up every day and provide the best care to our residents.”
CDHS, in partnership with local public health and CDPHE, is taking all the proper precautions to isolate residents and control the spread of the virus, while providing appropriate care.
Throughout the course of the Department’s response to COVID-19, the following steps have been taken to mitigate the risk of infection:
- Extra hand hygiene, disinfection of surfaces and increased infection control education specific to COVID-19
- Screening staff for symptoms at the start of every shift
- Physical distancing measures, including stopping all group activities
- Stopping all non-essential entry into the facility
- Universal mask wearing of staff; Residents encouraged to wear masks
- Frequent checking of symptoms and vital signs including oxygen levels for residents
*This list is not all-encompassing of infection control measures and cleaning procedures.
“The results of the widespread testing at Fitzsimons are informing our next steps in keeping staff and residents safe,” said CDHS Deputy Executive Director of Health Facilities Perry May. “We are continuing to work with CDPHE and the local department of public health in monitoring the situation and in taking precautions where patients or staff may have been exposed.”
The Veterans Community Living Center at Fitzsimons serves veterans, veterans' spouses and Gold Star parents. The facility's mission is to honor and respect those living and working in our home through companionship, empowerment and individualized care while providing a comfortable and safe place to live. It is a 180-bed facility providing skilled nursing care and a specialized 21-bed short-term rehabilitation unit.
For more information, visit the Veterans Community Living Center at Fitzsimons page.
Media contact:
Madlynn Ruble
Deputy Director of Communications
madlynn.ruble@state.co.us
303.866.3411