Westminster (March 28, 2020) –The Carroll County Health Department announced two cases of the novel coronavirus disease COVID-19 at the Pleasant View Nursing Home in Mount Airy. Over 60 residents have been tested and are awaiting results; additional testing is being done for other residents and any staff with symptoms.

The two residents who tested positive are women in their 50s. Both are currently hospitalized.

Health Officer Ed Singer and Deanna Najera, PA-C, clinical consultant to the Health Department, visited the facility today to observe infection control measures put in place to mitigate the spread of infection between staff and patients.

“Pleasant View Nursing Home is cooperating with and following the guidance of the Maryland Department of Health and the Carroll County Health Department,” said Singer. “Their staff is working diligently and putting patients first. They have been open and transparent with their residents and families and are doing a great job taking care of their patients during this challenging time.”

The facility, which according to the Maryland Health Care Commission has 104 beds, provided the Health Department with documentation detailing extensive actions taken to prevent the spread of infection starting March 10th, following guidance from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid and Governor Hogan’s Executive Orders. Actions included extra cleaning, restricted visitation policies, restricted communal dining, suspended group activities, and daily checks of staff and residents for symptoms and follow up actions to isolate anyone who was ill. They also implemented activities to keep residents engaged while remaining in their rooms and offered video chats to help residents stay connected with their families.

Mr. Singer added that “In situations like this, Maryland Responds volunteers can help provide additional support and care. Individuals with medical training who want to volunteer can sign up at https://mdr.health.maryland.gov/Pages/Home.aspx; there are also roles for non-medical volunteers. I encourage people to sign up to help their community during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

For additional information on COVID-19, visit the Carroll County Health Department’s web page at cchd.maryland.gov/COVID-19; follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; or call their COVID-19 call center at 410-876-4848. The call center is open 7 days a week from 8 am – 5 pm; messages left after hours will be returned the next day.

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Contact: Maggie Kunz, Carroll County Health Department, maggie.kunz@maryland.gov, 410-876-4924