ADDITIONAL COVID-19 CASES REPORTED AT BSSLC
Further cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed at the Brenham State Supported Living Center (BSSLC).
According to a release from Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Press Officer Christine Mann, as of Wednesday, the facility had 20 active cases involving residents, and there are 21 staff members who are out due to testing positive for the coronavirus.
Mann stated in the release that HHSC facilities continue to adhere strictly to the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). She said, per standard procedure, residents who test positive are kept in an isolation home, and the staff assigned to that home do not serve any other home or unit. She added that all staff wear masks and are trained in infection control procedures, proper use of personal protective equipment, and social distancing measures.
Mann said in situations where there is a confirmed COVID-19 case on campus, the HHSC will notify other residents and their guardians. If a resident is believed to have been exposed to the virus, the individual’s guardian will be notified and given an outline for the next steps to take.
According to Mann, visitor restrictions to State Supported Living Centers (SSLC) are still in place, and the HHSC continues to screen all employees for fever and respiratory illness prior to entering any facility. Anyone with a fever or unexplained signs of respiratory illness is not allowed entrance.
Mann said this remains a rapidly evolving situation, and the HHSC will continue to adapt its policies and procedures as necessary.
The existence of COVID-19 at the facility was confirmed in April by the HHSC, who said it had received consent from an individual or guardian to acknowledge at least one case at the center.
Full press release from HHSC Chief Press Officer Christine Mann below:
The health and safety of our residents and staff are our highest priority and we’re doing everything we can to prevent the spread of COVID-19. All facilities continue to follow strict adherence to CDC guidelines.
As of July 22, the Brenham State Supported Living Center had 20 active COVID-19 cases involving residents and there are 21 staff members who are out due to having a positive COVID-19 test result. It is our standard procedure that residents who test positive are kept in an isolation home and the staff assigned to that home do not serve any other home or unit. All staff wear masks and are trained in infection control procedures, proper use of personal protective equipment and social distancing measures.
We’re also working to make sure we are providing as much information as we can to keep the families and guardians of those in our care as informed as possible. As we have from the beginning of the pandemic, in situations in which there is a confirmed COVID-19 case on campus, we will notify other residents and their guardians there is a positive case on campus. Additionally, if we believe a resident has been exposed to COVID-19, we will notify the individual’s guardian and outline next steps. Families are encouraged to contact the center with any questions they may have and we will continue to work with them to alleviate their concerns.
Visitor restrictions to SSLCs remain in place and HHSC continues to screen all employees for fever and respiratory illness prior to entering its facilities. Any person with a fever or unexplained signs of respiratory illness is not allowed entrance to HHSC facilities.
We are extremely grateful for the commitment and dedication of our staff to caring for our residents, especially during this challenging time. They are providing an outstanding service to Texas. Our commitment to residents, their families and staff is to provide the best care possible and the safest possible working environment, at all times under any circumstances. This is a rapidly evolving situation and we will continue adapting our policies and procedures as necessary.