ATHENS, Ga. — A Georgia nursing home said one of its residents was taken to the hospital for a possible case of the coronavirus.
PruittHealth posted a statement on its website that a PruittHeath-Grandview resident was transferred to an Athens hospital with symptoms similar to those associated with COVID-19.
"This resident is considered a presumptive positive case, and the organization is awaiting formal confirmation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention," the website said.
11Alive talked with the chief executive officer, Neil Pruitt, about the case. He said they are working with the Department of Public Health
Pruitt said the resident started showing symptoms on Saturday.
"Our protocol called for that patient to be isolated and then they were transported to the hospital," he said.
Pruitt said they've set up a call center at their headquarters in Norcross, where nurses are answering family questions.
"We are constantly vigilant and monitoring we are prepared as if it’s going to spread, but we are doing everything possible to ensure that we contain this," he said.
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Pruitt said the roommate of the person who is possibly infected with the virus has been isolated and is being monitored for symptoms.
The room has also been disinfected and caregivers wear eye protection, gowns and gloves every time they go in.
Visitation is on hold at the facility There is, however, case-by-case exceptions for end-of-life and hospice care. But even that is highly discouraged.
PruittHealth is also restricting staff to only essential personnel and halting new admissions.
As a thoughtful gesture, they are asking for children to write letters to the residents to help lift their spirits.
11Alive is focusing our news coverage on the facts and not the fear around the virus. We want to keep you informed about the latest developments while ensuring that we deliver confirmed, factual information.
We will track the most important coronavirus elements relating to Georgia on this page. Refresh often for new information.
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