Mayflower Community confirms first case of COVID-19 in a resident

Two weeks after the first detected case of the novel coronavirus in a staff member, the Mayflower Community has issued a press release stating that a second case of COVID-19 has been diagnosed on their campus – this time in a resident.

The resident, according to Mayflower Executive Director Steve Langerud, is being cared for an in isolated area of the Mayflower’s Health Center. In the July 7 press release, Langerud assured friends and family of Mayflower staff and residents that all precautions are being taken, and that staff will continue their “vigilant efforts” to prevent the spread of the virus throughout the Mayflower Community.

The Mayflower Community, which is currently adhering to the “strict reopening requirements” that are outlined in the state of Iowa’s Phase I plan, will also continue to implement the extensive measures that they have personally taken to keep COVID-19 away from their residents thus far.

The new case was discovered during one of the routine three-times-a-day screenings for residents. Moving forward, staff will continue to wear full personal protective equipment (PPE), according to Kellie McGriff, BSN, NHA, associate director and administrator of the Mayflower Community.

“We have followed this prevention regimen since the COVID-19 was first identified in the U.S.,” said McGriff in the press release.

For the 280 people who continue to live on the Mayflower Campus, Langerud said that there will be an increase in overall communication to ensure safety and efficiency. There also will be frequent updates posted to the Mayflower’s website and social media channels for concerned friends and family members.

The Mayflower staff, who has, for the most part, helped keep COVID-19 from their residents, wants to reassure community members of the precautions they will continue to be taking and implementing.

“We are taking every step as recommended by authorities to contain the spread,” said Langerud in the release. “We want to make residents, their families, our dedicated staff and our community aware of this development and reassure everyone that we are on top of the situation.”