A “non-direct care staff member” at Pleasantview Home has tested positive for COVID-19.

Pleasantview Executive Director Jeffrey Schmidt confirmed in a Monday statement that case was reported on Friday night.

“This is an apparent case of community spread transmission,” Schmidt said in the statement issued Monday afternoon. “The staff member is currently under self-quarantine at home and under medical supervision. They will remain quarantined until such time as they have met the guidelines set forth by the Iowa Department of Public Health.”

He said that Pleasantview officials have been in contact with family members of residents, as well as staff, to offer support and notify them of the steps being taken to protect residents and staff.

“As we have from the beginning of the virus outbreak, we are doing everything we can to ensure the safety of our residents and staff,” Schmidt said. “We are working with local and state health officials to ensure we are taking the appropriate steps at this time. We are also working with our certified medical director as well as the Iowa Department of Public Health and the Iowa Health Care Association.”

He said that staff and residents are following recommended preventative actions.

“We have restricted visitors from entering our facility, monitoring staff for any symptoms, and have implemented social distancing precautions, including cancelling all group activities within the building, to protect our residents and staff,” he said. “In addition, we have increased surveillance of our residents and limiting staff access to a single entrance as additional precautionary measures.”

Schmidt closed his statement by offering thanks to the community.

“I would like to thank the Pleasantview and Kalona community in respecting our efforts to keep our residents and staff in a safe environment,” he said.