There are 39 coronavirus outbreaks at NC nursing homes, residential care facilities
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reported Tuesday 30 outbreaks at nursing homes across the state, one more than Monday.
Chatham County reported its first coronavirus-related death Tuesday as a resident of the Laurels of Chatham Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center died.
According to information from the county health department, the person “had been in declining health for some time prior to testing positive for COVID-19.”
“We are extremely saddened by the passing of a Chatham County resident due to this horrible virus,” Chatham County Public Health Director Layton Long said in a statement. “We extend our deepest sympathies and prayers to the individual’s family, as well as the residents and staff of The Laurels.”
People 65 and older and those with underlying health conditions are considered to be the most at-risk of a severe illness when contracting COVID-19, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Gov. Roy Cooper issued an executive order last 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.
“Once the virus is in one of these congregant homes, it spreads very rapidly,” Dr. Mandy Cohen, DHHS secretary, said Tuesday. “It is very, very hard to contain, which is why we are very focused on the prevention side of it. Trying to prevent the virus from getting into these settings in the first place.”
The counties with nursing home outbreaks include: Burke, Cabarrus, Chatham, Cleveland, Columbus (2), Cumberland, Dare, Davidson, Durham (3), Franklin, Henderson, Johnston, Moore, Orange (2), Mecklenburg (4), Rowan (2), Stokes, Union, Wake (2), Wayne and Wilson.
There were also nine outbreaks at residential care facilities in these counties: Guilford, Henderson, Northampton, Mecklenburg (2), Orange, Stanly and Wayne (2).
▪ Wake County reported its second nursing home outbreak in a news release on Monday. It had not been reflected on the DHHS website until late Tuesday morning.
Wake County reported that Sunnybrook Rehabilitation Center, in Raleigh, had five cases of COVID-19, The News & Observer reported. At least 25 residents are being tested after showing symptoms of the disease.
Wake County’s first nursing home outbreak was at Wellington Rehabilitation and Healthcare in Knightdale late last week, The News & Observer reported. What began as four positive coronavirus cases has jumped to 48 total, according to the Monday news release.
▪ Orange County has seen more than 110 people test positive between two facilities: PruittHealth-Carolina Point and Signature Health. Four PruittHealth residents have died.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
This story was originally published April 14, 2020 at 12:20 PM.
