State Report Indicates Worker May Be Cause Of COVID-19 Outbreak
Oskaloosa, Iowa – The State of Iowa leveled some accusations at Crystal Heights Care Center in Oskaloosa.
A report by the Iowa Department of Public Health states, “The facility was not found in substantial compliance with CMS and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended practices to prepare for COVID-19.”
The report went on to say, “The facility must establish and maintain an infection prevention and control program designed to provide a safe, sanitary and comfortable environment and to help prevent the development and transmission of communicable diseases and infections.”
“A system for preventing, identifying, reporting, investigating, and controlling infections and communicable diseases for all residents, staff, volunteers, visitors, and other individuals providing services under a contractual arrangement based upon the facility assessment conducted according to §483.70(e) and following accepted national standards,” the report adds.
The report states, “Based on record review and staff interviews, the facility failed to implement and monitor an effective screening process for staff and visitors to prevent a Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak for 56 of 74 residents. The lack of effective screening resulted in a staff member being able to work while knowingly ill and failing to report it. The spread of COVID-19, once introduced to the facility, was rampant, and resulted in 9 deaths. The facility reported a census of 68.”
“During an interview on 5/29/20 at 11:01 a.m., the Director of Nurses (DON) stated on 3/13/20 they received guidance from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) which included an emphasis on keeping COVID-19 out of the facility. As a part of that effort, the CDC recommended restricting visitors and implementing a screening process for anyone entering the facility, including all staff. The DON stated that same day all staff were provided training and education on the screening process which included one entry into the building with a screening area at that entry. Staff were to wash or sanitize their hands upon entering, then review a series of questions related to whether they were
having any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 and whether they had worked in other facilities or locations with recognized COVID-19 cases. Based on having any active symptoms or an elevated temperature, staff were to be restricted from entering the facility. The DON stated it was made clear to ALL staff that if they were ill, they were to stay home. The DON stated staff were permitted to self-screen and they did not have anyone at the entry monitoring staff as they arrived.”
“During an interview on 5/27/20 at 9:30 a.m., the Administrator at Facility #2 (Admin 2) stated Staff
A worked Facility #2 every other weekend, Friday through Sunday. On 4/24/20, Staff A called in sick at Facility #2 due to a fever. Admin 2 explained to Staff A that she would be restricted from working for 10 days and need to be free of symptoms 72 hours before returning to work. During an interview on 5/26/20 at 1:30 p.m., the Assistant Director of Nurses (ADON) stated on 5/10/20 she received a call from the Administrator at Facility #2 (Admin 2). Admin #2 asked if Staff A worked at Facility #1. Admin 2 stated Staff A, who also worked at Facility #2 had a COVID-19 test on 5/9/20. The ADON reported Staff A had not worked at Facility #1 since 5/4/20 and had not disclosed that she was working at Facility #2. The ADON reported Staff A arrived to a scheduled shift at Facility #1 on 5/11/20. Staff A completed the screening tool and planned to work. The ADON approached Staff A, at the door, and sent her home. On 5/12/20, the COVID-19 test for Staff A returned as confirmed positive. That same day three other staff called in ill, had a COVID-19 test and had confirmed positive results for COVID-19. On 5/15/20, 6 residents developed symptoms. All 6 residents had a test and had confirmed positive results for COVID-19. By 5/20/20, all residents and staff were tested for COVID-19, 49 residents and 13 staff had confirmed positive results for COVID-19. The ADON stated Staff A worked shifts at Facility #1 on 4/24/20, 4/27/20, 4/29/27, 4/30/20, 5/1/20, 5/2/20, 5/3/20 and 5/4/20. Review of screening sign in sheets revealed Staff A indicated she had no symptoms or temperature on 4/24/20, 4/27/20, 4/29/20, 4/30/20, 5/1/20, 5/2/20, 5/3/20 or 5/4/20.”
“During an interview on 6/4/20 at 10:20 a.m., Staff A (Certified Nurse Aide) stated she first started having symptoms, feeling feverish, headaches and weakness on 5/4/20. Staff A stated she had been feeling ill, but felt fine when she arrived to work that day at 2:00 p.m. At 3:30 p.m. Staff A stated she began having a headache, but not unusual for her. She spoke with the Charge Nurse and was given some Tylenol and told her she should get checked out. Staff A stated she finished her shift and over the next several days she was noticeably sick. Staff A stated she was finally tested for COVID-19 on 5/9/20 and was not feeling well, but went to work at Facility #1 on 5/11/20 because she didn’t want to call off. Staff A stated she filled out the screening form and didn’t have a temperature and at that moment didn’t have any symptoms. The ADON met her at the door and they went outside where Staff A was questioned about coming to work after just being tested for COVID-19. Staff A stated she admitted to the ADON that she felt cold and sick. Staff A was then asked about calling into work sick Facility #2 on 4/24/20. Staff A stated she woke up that morning vomiting, with a headache and fever. Staff A stated she called in sick at Facility #2, but didn’t remember going into work at Facility #1. Staff A stated she text the Administrator at Facility #2 on 4/25/20 and informed him/her she couldn’t work that weekend. Staff A stated she felt fine by Monday, 4/27/20.”
By the time COVID-19 became contained at Crystal Heights Care Center, a total of 15 residents had died of the virus, while another 64 were infected.
The administrator of Crystal Heights Care Center Jay Wills, told the Associated Press that the home would be disputing, and appeal the violation outlined by the Department of Inspection and Appeals.
