Two more cases of COVID-19 coronavirus have been reported at The Open Door Mission.
Six positive cases of coronavirus were reported at the shelter last week, prompting a large-scale testing effort over the weekend. Open Door Missions' CEO and President Candace Gregory tells 6 News that thankfully, they've escaped their worst case scenario. “As of today we only have an additional one guest and one staff."
In total five staff members and three guests have tested positive so far. Gregory says the Nebraska National Guard tested nearly 400 hundred people over the weekend. “They were on Sunday morning from 8:00 AM until 3:30 PM and they did not leave until everyone who wanted to participate did."
After the testing, the Open Door Mission began preparing for the worst by sectioning off space to quarantine up to 70 people. “We knew that the Douglas County Health Department had predicted that we possibly have 21 to 30 percent positives."
Gregory says with the majority of tests results in and only two additional cases, it looks like the Open Door Mission has beaten the odds. “I’m going to sleep really good tonight. It’s been really a tough 48 hours.”
Adding to the emotional toll, Gregory says one of the staff members who tested positive was hospitalized. “I did have one hospital member who was hospitalized, but I’m so blessed and relieved to share with you that he was released today.”
The plan now is to stay the course. Gregory says the shelter in place order will remain in effect, as will other measures. “We have to be very diligent and not give up on the process of cleaning, sanitation, and following the CDC guidelines and best practices."