Kentucky to begin testing all long-term care residents and staff

Nazareth Home announced today COVID-19 testing procedures for residents and staff as the Nazareth Home campuses prepare for the widespread testing of all long-term care facilities in Kentucky. Over the past several weeks, Nazareth Home has taken an aggressive approach against the novel coronavirus and has a plan in place to safely manage the testing and the outcomes of potential positive cases.

Gov. Andy Beshear announced on Friday, May 8, that Kentucky will administer coronavirus tests for all residents and employees at long-term care facilities. While the process will begin with facilities that state officials identify as priorities and take about two months to complete, Nazareth Home is prepared.

“Our team remains focused on taking every precaution to ensure the health and well-being of everyone at Nazareth Home,” said Nazareth Home President Mary Haynes. “The safety and well-being of our staff are a prime consideration as we count on them to provide our mission of care for patients and elders.”

Nazareth Home executes all infection protocols per the Kentucky Health Department, Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS), Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and local health agencies.

“Testing does not take the place of strict infection control precautions that we have in place, but the safety of the elders and staff is our number one priority. This testing will offer assurance and insight for residents, family members and staff,” said Haynes. “We are following the best science, and as uncomfortable as it might be to widespread test, saving lives is worth the risk.”

Nazareth Home has notified all residents, family members and employees about the upcoming testing. The tests are free for residents and staff.

Reports of positive cases among residents and staff are regularly shared with family and staff.

For up-to-date information, questions or concerns, please email covid@nazhome.org.