COVID-19 has infected employees and at least one resident at a second nursing home in Warren County.  

In the first week of September, Willow Branch Health and Rehabilitation, formerly Raintree Manor, has had one patient and two staff members test positive for the disease.

“The health of our staff and residents is our highest priority and we will continue to take all necessary precautions to protect our Warren County family from this virus,” said interim administrator Mary Alice Stevenson and RN, DON Betty Wheeler in a written correspondence to family members of residents. “We are monitoring all residents and staff for any symptoms of the virus and have implemented an additional disinfection and cleaning process to reduce risk of infection.”

According to three letters that have been sent to family members of residents at the facility, the first positive test was Sept. 2 of a staff member, followed by a second staff member on Sept. 3, and then a resident tested positive Sept. 5. Both staff members had tested negative the week before.

The first staff member to test positive last worked directly with residents Aug. 26. They tested negative on Aug. 27. They developed symptoms Aug. 30 and were tested Sept. 1. Positive results were received Sept. 2.

The second staff member to test positive last worked Sept. 1. They tested negative on Aug. 28. The staff member had some symptoms and was quarantined at home.

“The resident is currently not exhibiting any symptoms and was only tested as part of our facility protocol,” said Stevenson. “Thankfully, the resident is still not exhibiting symptoms and is expected to make a full recovery.”

As required by law, the Department of Health was notified.

NHC HealthCare of McMinnville was the first facility to have patients and staff test positive for COVID. In early July, the facility announced its first cases. As the pandemic ran its course, 30 patients and 19 staff members became infected. Staff recovered, but four patients died. 

NHC HealthCare has now declared its local facility as COVID-free.