RED OAK, Iowa – Red Oak Rehab and Care Center is currently experiencing an outbreak of COVID-19 among facility residents and employees. The Montgomery County Public Health Department says the Red Oak team has been preparing for the eventuality of potential outbreaks due to exploding community spread, which is happening, unstoppably, around the world. Having that moment become a reality is very difficult for those who have worked so hard and sacrificed so much to prevent it since we locked everything down in March.

County Public Health Administrator Samantha Beeson says Montgomery County has been teetering between the Red and Yellow Zones regarding test positivity for months. That status means nursing homes are required to test staff, contractors and vendors multiple time per week – once while in the Yellow Zone and twice while in Red. As soon as Red Oak Rehab and Care Center learned of the potential outbreak, they began resident testing as well so they could get ahead of the outbreak, even though it is not a requirement in Iowa.

The facility also immediately implemented a COVID unit for residents who become positive and have asked the residents who are negative on testing to quarantine, wear masks and sanitize their hands regularly. Caregivers have replaced procedure masks with N-95 masks and gowns in addition to the face shields and gloves Iowa has required during the Pandemic. A Needlepoint Bipolar Ionization System has been installed in the air handling system to dismantle the virus. Electrostatic disinfection has been implemented to enhance the increased cleaning and sanitation of the facility.

Leadership of the building is in close communication with local and state health officials to ensure all the appropriate measures are taken under current circumstances. We are also following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to reduce the spread and impact of COVID-19.

Officials say they appreciate the local physicians and medical community who are diligently working with the building to help meet the residents’ needs. Red Oak CC has been updating local hospital officials in case there is a need for inpatient care. In addition, the facility is working closely with the Montgomery County Health Department and the Iowa Department of Public Health, Licensure and Survey and Certification.

General updates about increases or decreases in positivity of COVID-19 can be found on the  website: www.redoakcc.com. Family members can interact with their loved ones by using video chat, calling, texting or checking in on social media. Red CC teams have worked very hard, officials say, and now are working harder to get the residents through this as safely as possible. Due to federal privacy laws, Red Oak Care Center will not share any specific information about the medical status of our residents or employees.