Chatham County nursing home outbreak grows to 57 coronavirus cases
The coronavirus outbreak at a Chatham County nursing home has grown to 57 cases, county health officials said Sunday.
The Laurels at Chatham initially had six cases when county health officials first announced the outbreak on Friday. Increased testing as a result showed that COVID-19 had spread rapidly through the facility.
“We anticipated that universal testing at the facility would reveal more positive cases, and we remain concerned for the staff, residents and their families affected by this outbreak,” Chatham County Public Health Director Layton Long said in a statement. “While COVID-19 is highly infectious, especially in congregate living facilities, we remain focused on limiting the spread of the virus. We will continue to work closely with The Laurels of Chatham to do everything possible to contain this outbreak.”
Family of Laurels’ residents and staff have been notified of the positive cases, the county said in its news release. UNC Health, along with Laurels and county officials, worked to test all residents and staff after the initial cases appeared last week.
“We are grateful for the courage and dedication of health care and public health workers,” Long said. “This outbreak is a reminder to all Chatham County residents of the importance of following public health guidance. Now more than ever before, we must: Stay at home except for essential trips, avoid gathering with others who don’t live with you, maintain distance from others if you must go out, wear a face covering and wash your hands regularly. Our ability to slow the spread of the virus, protect our critical workers and those at greatest risk of serious illness, and respond to events like this depends on everyone taking responsibility.”
The state’s Department of Health and Human Services reported 42 outbreaks in congregate living facilities, including 28 nursing homes in 21 counties, in its Sunday morning COVID-19 update.
This is a developing story and will be updated.