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Victims of human trafficking, abuse tested for COVID-19 after Vista Maria employee tests positive

Posted at 6:34 PM, Sep 15, 2020
and last updated 2020-09-15 18:34:32-04

DEARBORN HEIGHTS (WXYZ) — Over a hundred girls and young women who currently reside at Vista Maria are undergoing testing for COVID-19 after an employee turns up positive over the weekend.

Vista Mara is dedicated to the care and treatment of victims of human trafficking and abuse, and Meredith Reese, Vista Maria's Chief Integrated Behavioral Health Officer, said other staffers are also undergoing testing for the virus.

Reese told 7 Action News that all of the young women, staff members, and visitors have been wearing masks and social distancing, and parents and guardians of those in their care were notified over the weekend about the employee testing positive.

On Vista Maria's Facebook page, photos show their President and CEO Angela Aufdemberge may not have been leading by example.

Aufdemberge is shown at two fundraising events last month where she is not adhering to the governor's executive order that still requires social distancing at outdoor events and masks when unable to maintain a distance of 6 feet from people who are not members of their household.

Click on the video to hear how a spokesperson for Vista Maria responds.