Dale Medical employee tests positive

A mental health technician at Dale Medical Center has tested positive for the COVID-19.

“As a precaution all patients and staff on the unit will be screened and monitored per the guidelines of the Department of Public Health,” said DMC Chief Executive Officer Vernon Johnson. “Be assured that it remains our top priority and every effort is being taken to assure the health, safety and well being of our patients and employees.”

The mental health technician worked on the New Day Unite at DMC. “The employee is part-time and after being off a few days was exhibiting symptoms that required her to be evaluated before returning to work,” according to Rachelle Fordham, DMC Infection Control Nurse. “From all probabilities the virus is community-acquired and not from within the hospital.

“The employee was seen at the Houston County Department of Health, tested and placed on self isolation,” Fordham said. “Since she had not presented to work with symptoms or since the onset of the symptoms, the risk of exposure to patients and staff is considered minimal.”

The first positive case of COVID-19 was confirmed April 1 on the DMC website and a video report to citizens from Ozark Mayor Bob Bunting. One case in Dale County was also confirmed on the Alabama Department of Public Health website at that time.

“I am very happy to report the patient has recovered and been discharged from the hospital,” said Johnson. “We would be blessed if we didn't see another case, however, if and when it happens our professional staff stands ready to care for all our patients.”

“Healthcare professionals train and continually prepare to handle individuals with communicable diseases and disasters,” Johnson added. “The physicians and staff of Dale Medical Center are prepared to meet the needs of this patient and others while maintaining a safe environment for our care team.”

“We've got the best doctors and nurses in that hospital,” Bunting said. “Their protocol is absolutely perfect. They’ve got all the equipment they need and they are taking every precaution.”