14 residents of Crawfordsville long-term care facility test positive for COVID-19

A leading epidemiologist advising the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has estimated the peak of deaths in the US coronavirus pandemic will be three weeks from now, after which "most of the damage will be done," and says it may be possible to only isolate the vulnerable, allowing many back to work. (Provided Photo/CDC via CNN)

CRAWFORDSVILLE, Ind. (WISH) — The Montgomery County Health Department reported Sunday that 14 residents of a long-term care facility in Crawfordsville have tested positive for COVID-19.

According to county health officials, residents of Ben Hur Health & Rehabilitation located at 1375 S Grant Ave have tested positive for the virus. The county health department was notified of the cases on Saturday night.

The new cases, and an additional positive result for a Montgomery County resident, bring the county’s total to 47.

“We understand the worry and concern for patients, their families and the community created by this outbreak,” said Dr. Scott Douglas, Montgomery County Health Officer, in a press release to News 8. “We are working closely with the Indiana State Department of Health and Ben Hur Health and Rehabilitation to limit the transmission of the infection and to provide for the safety of all residents and staff in the facility.”

Health officials say 26 residents of the health and rehab center were tested on Friday after multiple residents came down with fevers on Thursday. The residents who tested positive have been put in isolation. Staff members of Ben Hur have notified the families of the residents.

County health officials say they will work with Ben Hur to conduct contact tracing.

The health and rehab facility released the following statement on Sunday:

The health and wellness of our residents and employees remain our highest priorities. We are in close contact with local, state and federal health authorities, following their guidance, mandates and reporting requirements. Uniquely, we have created our own testing strike team of nurses and partnered with a private lab to expand our testing capabilities. This strategy enhances our ability to quickly identify and implement isolation protocols when appropriate. Communication with families is very important to us. Should a positive COVID-19 case occur, all residents, families, and employees are notified.

Sherri Davies, spokesperson for Ben Hur Health & Rehabilitation Center.

Indiana State Department of Health on Sunday reported a total of 813 Hoosiers have died from COVID-19.