The Murray Developmental Center in Centralia has reopened its doors to parents and guardians.
Administrator Lori Demijan made the announcement of the move to Phase III of their COVID-19 recovery plan that allows family visits both inside and outside as well as other increased activity at
the center. The Center quickly went through Phase II after going 14 days without a positive case and moved to Phase III after another two weeks without a case and are now at 40 days of no new cases.
Murray Center Parents Association President Rita Winkeler says the change is being warmly greeted by families and guardians.
“Unbelievable. I think we are all actually in shock that we can actually now see our kids, take them home for day visits, take them for rides and just be with them now and have indoor visits. And with the compassionate care visits we can now eat with them, touch and hug them and get somewhat back to normal. It’s just wonderful and we are very happy.”
Winkeler is also very pleased with the new compassionate care visits to let family and guardians help with care if their loved one is showing mental decline due to COVID-19 isolation.
“I think those individuals especially those families that for the past 36 years have visited every Sunday and then all of a sudden they weren’t there and then maybe we would visit for a little bit outside and then there would be another 4 months that would go by. We have had some weight loss, more behavior issues with some of our individuals that haven’t been able to express this. I think that has been an issue, staff has done a fabulous job but just the routine of not seeing their families that they would see weekly has been very difficult.”
Winkeler says they realize the facility will have to take a step backwards if there are new positive cases.
Demijan says the testing of staff has been reduced to 25-percent a week unless someone is showing symptoms. She notes all the COVID-19 precautions with social distancing and cleanliness are being kept in place.
