The Mississippi State Veterans Home in Oxford is currently working to contain a recent COVID-19 outbreak, according to the Mississippi Veterans Affairs office.

The Oxford home reported a total of 19 positive residents and two deaths on Monday. One resident was in hospice care at the time of their death.

There were also 12 staff members who tested positive.

“On behalf of everyone at our Agency, I would like to express our deepest condolences to the families of the residents that passed away due to complications from COVID-19,” said MSVA Executive Director, Stacey Pickering. “We want to make sure the families of our residents are aware of the steps that we are taking to mitigate the impacts of the virus.”

The Mississippi State Department of Health was notified of all residents and staff who tested positive for COVID-19, as is required by long-term care facilities. The families of those who test positive were also notified.

Anyone entering the home is required to be screened and wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE). All in-person visitation at the Mississippi State Veterans Home in Oxford has been suspended until conditions are deemed safe for both the residents and staff.

Lafayette County is still experiencing a steady spike in cases. The MSDH reported 19 new cases on Tuesday after reporting a record-high of 31 new cases on Saturday. As of July 27, there were 132 active cases in Lafayette County.

The MSVA also provided the protocols they take when a resident or staff member tests positive.

Resident:

• Residents identified as “at-risk” (residents identified as having direct contact with staff who test positive through contact tracing) are isolated, closely monitored and tested for COVID-19.
• At-risk residents remain in isolation until results are received or begin exhibiting symptoms. If the resident tests positive or shows signs and symptoms, he/she is immediately transferred to the COVID unit of the home.
• Residents who test positive are transferred to the COVID unit. He/she remains in the unit for a minimum of 14 days or until he/she is symptom-free for 72 hours, or tests negative for COVID-19.
• Testing after 14 days may be obtained per a medical doctor’s orders. However, it is not mandatory per guidelines.

Staff:

• A team member is placed on administrative leave immediately following known COVID-19 exposure.
• A team member is required to test for COVID-19 and/or quarantine for 14 days.
• A team member is may return to work after 14 days of testing positive and is symptom-free for 72 hours.