The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Montgomery County Public Health have identified six (6) cases of COVID-19 in a long-term care facility in Montgomery County. The six (6) cases include both staff and residents at the Good Samaritan Society of Villisca. According to IDPH, an outbreak is when three or more cases of COVID-19 are identified among residents of a facility.

The facility has notified residents and their families, and consistent with IDPH guidelines, the affected residents are in isolation and/or hospitalized. Good Samaritan Society of Villisca staff are working closely with IDPH and Montgomery County Public Health to protect the health of all residents and staff, with additional testing of residents and staff as directed by IDPH.

“Protecting the health and wellbeing of the residents and staff is of the highest priority,” said Montgomery County Public Health Director Samantha Beeson. “We know our older population is at the highest risk for serious COVID-19 illness, so we are monitoring the situation carefully and taking the highest precautions to prevent virus spread.”

Montgomery County Public Health also announces today, the first death associated with novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the county. The individual was an elderly adult (over 80). “We wish to extend our sympathy to this individual’s family,” said Montgomery County Public Health Director Samantha Beeson. “Montgomery County Public Health and all of our key partners throughout the county and state continue to work to limit the spread and impact of this virus in our communities.”

As of today, June 3rd, 2020, there are nine (9) total cases of COVID-19 in Montgomery County. Montgomery County Public Health continues to work closely with the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), and other state and local partners to respond to this ongoing pandemic.