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April 16, 2020
Bandera County confirms fourth positive CoViD-19 case
By Jessica Nohealapa'ahi Goode
The Bandera Prophet
As of today, four Bandera County residents have tested positive for CoViD-19. The most recent positive case is a resident of Bandera Nursing and Rehab.
According to a representative of the facility, the resident was treated by a PA from MedCare Associates who tested positive for the virus. Melody Chatelle, spokesperson for Bandera Nursing and Rehab, said 11 residents were tested; one test returned positive.
The patient is reportedly showing no symptoms.
“We have made every attempt to notify all the residents’ representatives of this situation, and would encourage any family member or loved one with a concern or question to contact us directly at 830-796-4077,” Chatelle said.
Bandera County Emergency Management Coordinator Carey Reed said all of the residents who were exposed have been isolated. Furthermore, she said Bandera Rehab is not allowing any doctors, PAs or Hospice nurses in the facility. All outside medical care will be done via tele-health.
“They are doing everything they can to ensure that everybody is safe,” Reed said.
MedCare Associates Practice Administrator Jason Caswell said the PA’s other patients were notified and advised to self-monitor for symptoms for 14 days. Caswell said the PA did not see any patients at Bandera Family Practice.
“Several of the appointments by the PA were either done by tele-health or via curbside visits to limit the risk of exposure and for the safety of the provider. The PA was wearing proper PPE during curbside and clinic visits further limiting the risk of exposure,” Caswell said, adding per CDC guidance, testing is not required for someone who does not present the symptoms of CoViD and Metro Health will not test someone who is asymptomatic.
“We are the first line of defense in the community fight against CoViD-19 and one of our fellow providers fell ill during that fight. Regardless, the mission continues, and we will treat the ill in the safest way possible. Our doors are open to those in need,” Bandera Family Practice Medical Director Dr. Bryan Sims DNP, APRN-BC, FNP, said.
The other positive cases are still in recovery, one of whom remains in a Kerrville hospital; the other two patients are experiencing mild symptoms and have self-quarantined, Reed said. According to Caswell, the PA is also recovering.
According to a representative of the facility, the resident was treated by a PA from MedCare Associates who tested positive for the virus. Melody Chatelle, spokesperson for Bandera Nursing and Rehab, said 11 residents were tested; one test returned positive.
The patient is reportedly showing no symptoms.
“We have made every attempt to notify all the residents’ representatives of this situation, and would encourage any family member or loved one with a concern or question to contact us directly at 830-796-4077,” Chatelle said.
Bandera County Emergency Management Coordinator Carey Reed said all of the residents who were exposed have been isolated. Furthermore, she said Bandera Rehab is not allowing any doctors, PAs or Hospice nurses in the facility. All outside medical care will be done via tele-health.
“They are doing everything they can to ensure that everybody is safe,” Reed said.
MedCare Associates Practice Administrator Jason Caswell said the PA’s other patients were notified and advised to self-monitor for symptoms for 14 days. Caswell said the PA did not see any patients at Bandera Family Practice.
“Several of the appointments by the PA were either done by tele-health or via curbside visits to limit the risk of exposure and for the safety of the provider. The PA was wearing proper PPE during curbside and clinic visits further limiting the risk of exposure,” Caswell said, adding per CDC guidance, testing is not required for someone who does not present the symptoms of CoViD and Metro Health will not test someone who is asymptomatic.
“We are the first line of defense in the community fight against CoViD-19 and one of our fellow providers fell ill during that fight. Regardless, the mission continues, and we will treat the ill in the safest way possible. Our doors are open to those in need,” Bandera Family Practice Medical Director Dr. Bryan Sims DNP, APRN-BC, FNP, said.
The other positive cases are still in recovery, one of whom remains in a Kerrville hospital; the other two patients are experiencing mild symptoms and have self-quarantined, Reed said. According to Caswell, the PA is also recovering.