Tulsa, Okla. – Oklahoma Methodist Manor (OMM) has learned a supervisory employee has tested positive for COVID-19 (Coronavirus). The employee has been off work, and not present on our campus, since March 5, 2020. The employee had a scheduled day off on March 6 and did not start feeling symptoms of illness until March 7.
As is our standard practice during flu season, all employees who report any respiratory illness symptoms are directed not to report to duty. No residents are showing any signs or symptoms of COVID-19. The employee has not had any contact with any resident in the past 19 days, so the presumed risk of transmission is low. As early as March 2, OMM had already put several protective measures in place, including the screening of all employees for illness. The foresight of OMM leadership and early adoption of those protective measures are believed to have prevented the potential spread of this virus.
The employee remains quarantined at home with family and has been under the care of a physician since March 10 for flu-like symptoms. Testing for COVID-19 was performed on March 16, but results were not available until yesterday. During this extended absence, the employee has maintained their income through OMM’s sick leave benefit.
“We have notified the Oklahoma State Department of Health and are following procedures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention,” said Steve Dickie, Chief Executive Officer. “The continued health and safety of our residents is our foremost priority.” Residents, their family members, and other employees were also notified of this discovery. OMM is working closely with state officials to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to continue to prevent the virus’ spread.
“We are taking every step as recommended by authorities to continue our work preventing the spread of this virus. We want to make residents, their families, our dedicated staff, and our community aware of this situation and reassure everyone that we are on top of the situation.”
Any media inquiries regarding this case should be directed to the Oklahoma State Department of Health.