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A resident at Orchard Rehabilitation & HealthCare Center in Hayneville recently tested positive for COVID-19, according to the Alabama Nursing Home Association.

The resident was discharged from the facility to a local hospital and the facility has notified the Alabama Department of Public Health and is notifying residents, families and staff members.

Orchard Rehabilitation & HealthCare Center is

located off Alabama 97 in Hayneville and is nestled in a 17-acre pecan orchard. The facility has stated that its residents are its top priority and they have been following CDC protocol to ensure safety.

The Hayneville case is by far not the only one in Alabama, according to Alabama Nursing Home Association President and CEO Brandon Farmer. Farmer recently issued a statement on the spread of COVID-19 across the state’s facilities.

“Alabama nursing homes continue to do everything they can to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and treat those who are diagnosed with the virus,” he said. “As of today, 31 of our member nursing homes in 17 counties have reported COVID-19 positive cases to the Alabama Nursing Home Association. These reports involve residents, staff members or both at nursing homes in rural and urban locations. These nursing homes are following the reporting guidelines and implementing isolation procedures.”

Farmer said the association is continuing to monitor the situation statewide. The Alabama Nursing Home Association membership includes more than 90 percent of the state’s facilities.

“I predict the number of nursing homes with cases will grow as more tests are administered and the results are returned, “ he said. “As previously stated, the delays in receiving test kits and test results are beyond our control yet place our residents and employees at great risk. Our members have taken the threat of COVID-19 seriously from the start. Most restricted or stopped visitation and began screening employees before state and federal government agencies required it. They continue to practice infection control guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and isolate residents who test positive or are believed to have been exposed to someone who is COVID-19 positive. Like other health care providers, nursing homes need a sufficient supply of personal protective equipment (PPE). Infection control measures will only be as effective as our ability to secure PPE.”