Results from a facility-wide COVID-19 testing event last week at Trinity Homes show that all residents and staff who were tested for coronavirus were negative.

Some 455 residents and staff were tested for COVID-19 on April 23, 2020, conducted by teams from both Trinity Health and First District Health Unit. Confirmation received this week reveals all of the tests were negative.

Vice President Randy Schwan suggests the results show that actions taken early in the pandemic to protect residents were strategic and effective. “Trinity Homes was among the first to implement tight visitor restrictions on March 12, and they also took the steps of educating and screening employees at the start of every shift. Those decisions have been essential in safeguarding the health of our residents and staff,” Schwan said.  He also said the staff have been diligent in practicing safe infection control procedures during their routines every day to provide the safest environment possible.

The surveillance testing was part of Governor Burgum’s expanded testing program, which includes healthcare workers, residents, and staff at long-term care facilities, regardless of whether they are symptomatic. When asked by the North Dakota Department of Health if Trinity Homes would volunteer to be a test site, it readily agreed. Schwan says residents’ family members also expressed gratitude that their relatives would be tested.

The facility-wide testing was completed in one day, thanks to close collaboration between Trinity Homes staff and a team from First District Health Unit. “The experience was smooth, and that is credited directly to the exceptional staff at Trinity Homes and the critical local support we received from First District Health Unit with short notice,” Schwan said. “We can’t thank everyone enough.”

He added that a few staff members who were unable to be tested the day of the surveillance will be tested using available supplies under guidance from the State Health Department.