CHARLOTTE AMALIE — Nearly 60 percent of elderly residents at the Queen Louise Home for the Aged have tested positive for COVID-19 amid an ongoing spike in confirmed cases on St. Thomas, according to a statement issued by Government House last night.
“Of 17 residents tested, 10 returned positive results, and of 25 Queen Louise staff tested, six tested positive,” Government House Deputy Communications Director Gerry Yandel said. “Department of Human Services leadership and staff, including the Queen Louise physician, Department of Health and CDC physicians and staff and the Schneider Regional Medical Center are working collaboratively to address the unfolding reality of the coronavirus and its spread into the facility.”
Residents who tested negative “will be relocated to non-congregate sheltering to try to maintain their negative status and good health. Re-testing will occur in accordance with guidance from the lead epidemiologist with Department of Health,” according to the Government House statement.
“The residents who tested positive are thus far asymptomatic or displaying only mild symptoms,” the statement said. “All are being closely monitored and treated by the multi-disciplinary team. None of the residents have required hospitalization.”
COVID-positive staff are quarantining and none have displayed serious symptoms that required hospitalization, Yandel said.
Human Services closed the Knud Hansen Complex on Tuesday after two employees tested positive for COVID-19, according to DHS spokeswoman Michelle Francis. The St. Thomas facility will be closed for cleaning and sanitizing until Monday.
DHS said Meals on Wheels and Homemaker Services will continue to provide client services in the community while continuing to adhere to all safety protocols. Additionally, drop boxes will also remain open and available for application drop off.
D.H.S. said masks are required when entering all facilities and enhanced screening surveys and mandatory temperature checks continue. “All staff and close contacts of affected units have been notified to ensure their safety within the parameters of HIPAA guidelines,” the department said.
“Additionally, DHS is working to provide support for staff members. Staff testing is being encouraged and arranged for those in impacted units while professional cleaning and sanitization of impacted facilities is on-going. No additional details are being released at this time in order respect the residents, their families and remain in accordance to HIPAA laws.”