03/09/2020
The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) has identified a presumptive positive case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) at Parkview Noble Hospital (PNH) in Kendallville. The adult patient, who had recently traveled out of state, is in isolation in the hospital’s intensive care unit.
A presumptive positive case means the patient has tested positive at the ISDH Laboratories. Samples will be sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for final confirmation.
Parkview Health is working closely with the ISDH, Noble County Department of Health (NCDH), Allen County Department of Health (ACDH) and other agencies to monitor the situation, mitigate exposure and ensure all infection prevention protocols are being followed. PNH remains fully operational and precautions have been implemented to protect all staff, patients and guests.
“The patient is being quarantined in isolation and the health department is actively monitoring people with whom they may have had close contact,” said Terry Gaff, MD, health officer, NCDH. “Out of respect for their privacy, no other details on the patient will be released.”
Dr. Deborah McMahan, Allen County health commissioner, said the region has been preparing for a COVID-19 case and assured residents that all necessary steps are being taken to reduce the spread of the illness.
“The Department of Health is working closely with Parkview Health and leaders throughout the community to ensure the health and safety of all our citizens,” Dr. McMahan said. “We commend Parkview for the speed with which they addressed the situation and implemented appropriate measures. We want to remind the community to be prepared as the situation evolves every day.”
Prior to arrival at PNH, the patient sought treatment at the Parkview Physicians Group - FirstCare Walk-In Clinic in Kendallville on March 1 and the location on New Vision Drive in Fort Wayne on March 5. Out of an abundance of caution, both clinics have been closed today for deep cleaning. Following guidance from ACDH and the CDC, co-workers at both clinic locations have been advised to stay home and will be screened today for potential exposure.
Health officials are recommending that anyone who visited either clinic and feels they have been exposed should self-monitor for 14 days since the day of potential exposure. This includes checking your temperature twice a day and calling a healthcare provider if you have a fever greater than 100.4 degrees and respiratory symptoms, such as cough or shortness of breath. At this time, the ACDH is not recommending self-quarantine for the general public.
“Parkview Health has been planning and preparing for this situation, and we are following rigorous, CDC-recommended isolation procedures for the health and safety of our patients, co-workers, medical staff and visitors,” said Jeffrey Boord, MD, chief quality and safety officer, Parkview Health. “We continue to work closely with our partner health agencies to follow best practices for the screening, testing and treatment of this virus.”
More information on COVID-19, including answers to frequently asked questions, can be found at cdc.gov/covid19. Information can also be found on the ACDH website or by calling the department’s COVID-19 hotline at 260-449-4499.
To prevent exposure to others, individuals who are experiencing respiratory symptoms are encouraged to call their healthcare provider prior to arriving at a healthcare facility. Parkview Health patients can call the Parkview Access Center at 877-PPG-TODAY to speak with a nurse and be directed to appropriate care.
