Four people test positive for COVID-19 at Chatham County nursing home
A nursing home in Chatham County has reported an outbreak at its facility.
Four positive COVID-19 cases were confirmed Wednesday at The Laurels of Chatham Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Pittsboro, according to a county press release. It is one of 16 nursing homes across the state dealing with ongoing outbreaks.
The county’s health department is currently trying to identify those who came in close contact with the four who tested positive.
“Staff from The Laurels of Chatham have been in regular communication with our public health team, and we are working together to protect the health of both residents and staff in the facility,” said Layton Long, Chatham County’s health director, in the release. “This includes testing for COVID-19, acquiring additional protective equipment for healthcare workers who interact with residents, and ensuring proper cleaning and isolation protocols are in place.”
Gov. Roy Cooper issued a new executive order Thursday that outlines new mandatory instructions for long-term care facilities. They include halting group meals; taking the temperatures of employees before they enter the building; and increasing the monitoring of residents’ temperatures.
Nursing home outbreaks in NC
The outbreak in Chatham is one of several across the state.
As of April 9 at 6:30 p.m.:
▪ At least 60 people at PruittHealth-Carolina Point in Orange County, both patients and staff, have tested positive. Two patients have died, according to Orange County. Three people have tested positive at Signature HealthCARE at Chapel Hill.
▪ At least 50 people tested positive at Pinehurst Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center in Moore County. The county’s health department tested all 96 residents and the center’s 115-person staff. Of those 96 residents, 45 tested positive for the illness caused by the coronavirus. Five staff members also tested positive, according to the Moore County Health Department.
▪ Springbrook Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Clayton reports 26 cases — 20 residents and six staff members, according to the Johnston County Health Department.
▪ At least 33 people at the Louisburg Nursing Center in Louisburg reported having positive tests, including nearly half of its residents.
