Coronavirus cases sweep through Butler County nursing home

MORGANTOWN, Ky.- The coronavirus swept through a nursing home in Morgantown.

Signature Healthcare confirmed 29 residents and 22 staff members at its Care and Rehabilitation Center have tested positive for the virus.

The good news is that nearly all resident cases are asymptomatic or mild.

It’s a situation being closely monitored by Butler County Judge Executive Tim Flener.

“With the virus and the way it works, that was our number one concern within our county. With our facility here, not only that facility but also with some other departments where some older people who are more vulnerable to this live,” Flener said.

In response, Signature Healthcare has transitioned part of the facility into a Covid-19 care unit. The unit is isolated by a barrier system and has its own entrance and supplies.

“The decision to open this unit has required careful planning and discussion, but there’s a need that we are ready to answer,”Morgantown Care and Rehabilitation Center chief executive officer Amy Phelps said in a statement. “Most importantly, by doing so, we are answering our calling as a healthcare provider and system to care for those who need us most right now. Our staff is top notch, committe, and ready to meet this important community need,” Phelps said.

In addition, Flener said the healthcare staff will pull through in this dire situation.

“It’s unfortunate that it did come, but we’re working through it. We’ve got great doctors on top of this. We’re all going to get through it together,” Flener said.

Flener is also urging the general public to keep social distancing in order to help curb the spread.

“We need to stay strong together. Every day, it’s very important for us right now to practice our social distancing, be safe at home, and do everything we can to keep this virus out of our homes,” Flener said.

In response, Signature Healthcare has transitioned part of the facility into a Covid-19 care unit. The unit is isolated by a barrier system and has its own entrance and supplies. It also has a dedicated staff who will remain separate, at all times, from the rest of the facility and staff.