TEXARKANA, Texas - Two workers and one patient at the Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Texarkana have so far tested positive for the novel coronavirus, according to an Encompass official.
"As COVID-19 cases are rising in our state, at this time, only one patient and two employees at our hospital have tested positive during the entirety of this pandemic. As of June 25, there are no positive employees or patients in our hospital," said Hillary Carnel, associate director of media relations and marketing events for Encompass Health, in an emailed statement.
Citing privacy concerns, Carnel did not say when the employees and patient tested positive or indicate their quarantine status, or if they developed COVID-19 symptoms.
"However, I can confirm that we are following the evolving (Centers for Disease Control) guidance for COVID-19," Carnel said.
At its website, Encompass lists a number of safety measures the company has taken at the Texarkana hospital, including cleaning therapy gym equipment, social distancing, universal masking, communal dining restrictions, staff and visitor pre-entrance screenings, patient evaluation for COVID-19 and more.
For Encompass workers, safety measures include stopping non-emergency and non-essential company travel, education about Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations, personal protective equipment refresher training, use of proper PPE and more.
"We remain committed to the health and safety of our patients and employees. As a rehabilitation hospital, we are continuing to do our part to care for patients who need rehabilitation services for major illnesses and injuries," Carnel said.
According to the American Hospital Directory, the Encompass Texarkana rehab hospital has 60 beds.
Therapy treatment includes physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. Specialized programs are available for stroke rehab, spinal cord injury rehab, orthopedic rehab and neurological rehab.
"Our focus has been on mitigating the spread of COVID-19 through our infection control policies, closely following CDC and local health authority guidance, and taking additional safety precautions . We will continue to deliver high-quality, rehabilitative care for our patients and serve as a trusted partner within the community," Carnel said.