The Paris-Lamar County Health District has begun testing residents at two nursing homes in Paris for cross-contamination after the coronavirus outbreak at Paris Healthcare Center.
Officials will test both staff and residents at Legends Healthcare and Rehabilitation, 520 8th Street SE, today and tomorrow will test at Stillhouse Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, 2900 Stillhouse Rd.
On Wednesday, officials reported the first COVID-19 related death in Lamar County was affiliated with Paris Healthcare Center where another 47 residents tested positive for the virus.
Following the outbreak and possible cross-contamination between the nursing homes, the Texas Department of State Health Service sent 400 nasal tests by a special courier overnight.
“Originally they were going to send 300 but they decided to send us 400 tests,” said officials.”Because of how sensitive the nursing home populations are, the Health Department is being specifically careful and want to make sure the virus hasn’t gotten into any other nursing homes.”
The tests are done by nasal swab and officials expect results within 48-hours.
