First WMMC Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19

Warrensburg, MO (March 26, 2020) — Western Missouri Medical Center (WMMC) has an employee that tested positive for the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The individual was directly exposed off-site of WMMC to another Johnson County resident that tested positive for COVID-19. The staff member was on personal leave and had not returned to WMMC following the exposure. They were notified of the exposure and immediately placed in self-quarantine while waiting for the results.

“This employee did not enter WMMC after exposure to the positive case,” says Jennifer Koepke, WMMC’s Chief Nursing Officer. “Our team is in constant collaboration and following CDC guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We will continue to work diligently to slow the spread.”

While this exposure did not occur at WMMC, the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to accelerate in growth through the United States and healthcare workers everywhere will continue to be placed at risk.

“We are incredibly thankful to our staff who are staying diligent on the frontlines to support the community during this unprecedented time,” says Darinda Dick, CEO. “We are taking this pandemic very seriously, and because of our strong employee screening protocols we have been able to reduce the spread of COVID-19.”

WMMC has implemented several processes in the last two weeks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Johnson County including practicing social distancing, screening entrances and employees for symptoms, reducing visitors, launching #TeamUp2CleanUp, employee education and virtual visits.

The safety of Johnson County is WMMC’s top priority and we are taking all the necessary precautions to reduce the spread of COVID-19. To learn how WMMC is being proactive during this time and how you can help prevent the spread of COVID-19, visit WMMC.com/COVID-19.

About Western Missouri Medical Center

Western Missouri Medical Center (WMMC) is a fully-accredited acute care county medical center located in Warrensburg, MO. WMMC prides itself in emergency care, obstetrics, orthopedic and general surgery, family healthcare, internal medicine, outpatient clinics, ambulatory care, rehabilitation services and more. Inpatient services include medical, surgical, intensive, obstetrical, orthopedic, pediatric and skilled nursing care, as well as a wide range of therapeutic and diagnostic outpatient services. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Learn more at WMMC.com