After seven months without any coronavirus cases at its four residential communities across Missouri, The Baptist Home has seen nearly three dozen cases at its Chillicothe campus. As of Tuesday (Oct. 13), two residents of the home for the aging have died, while another 18 tested positive along with 14 staff members. Only one person is listed as recovered.
“All staff and residents at the campus are being tested and closely monitored for symptoms,” TBH said in a statement. “All staff caring for residents must wear personal protective equipment (PPE) to include a N-95 mask, face shield, gloves, and a gown.”
“The fact that The Baptist Home experienced no COVID-19 cases for seven months is nothing short of a miracle,” the statement added. “We are committed to remaining vigilant in our efforts to keep our residents and staff safe from infection. We ask that you join us in continued prayer for our community of residents, their families, and our caregivers.”
TBH noted that all residents and staff on the Chillicothe campus have been tested, with monitoring of temperatures and oxygen levels. Residents are quarantined to their rooms.
Local media started reported on the outbreak on Oct. 5, noting that a surge in Livingston County’s COVID-19 cases was largely due to TBH with 18 of the county’s 41 new cases. At that point, the number included 11 residents and seven staff.
By two days later (Oct. 7), the total TBH cases in local reporting had grown to 27. Another five cases were linked to First Baptist Church in Chillicothe. The next day, TBH’s numbers had grown to 30 and FBC’s to 13.
As of Oct. 14, Livingston County has seen a total of 385 positive cases and six deaths.
