Nursing homes becoming 'hotspot' for coronavirus with multiple cases at several new NC sites
The upswing of coronavirus cases at nursing homes in the state continues to be a big problem with two new locations reporting multiple cases on Wednesday.
Posted — UpdatedPruittHealth - Carolina Point has 60 cases reported at the nursing home in Orange County. Two residents have died and seven more have been hospitalized, Gov. Roy Cooper said in Wednesday's press conference.
Signature HealthCARE in Chapel Hill, also in Orange County, has three positive tests for COVID-19. Health officials said those people are receiving care at UNC Hospitals.
More test results are pending at both facilities, health officials said.
“We are deeply concerned for the staff and residents and their families who are affected by this outbreak," Orange County Health Director Quintana Stewart said. "The best thing we can all do to help them is to remain diligent and practice social distancing.”
Nursing homes that have COVID-19 cases
In Pinehurst, 26 residents and five staff at Pinehurst Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center have been diagnosed with coronavirus. The facility tested all 96 residents and 115 staffers on Monday and Tuesday after a positive test result linked to the nursing home over the weekend.
Franklin County health officials said Wednesday evening that there are now five COVID-19 cases at Louisburg Nursing Center, two residents and three staff members. Officials said all five are reported to be stable and no one has been hospitalized.
Those reports come on the heels of 26 reported cases at Pine Forest Rest Home in Northampton County. Over the weekend, Springbrook Rehabilitation and Nursing Center reported four cases, one a health care worker.
Wednesday, Springbrook Rehabilitation and Nursing Center identified 11 new positive cases of COVID-19 linked to residents and staff. Two residents there have died from COVID-19.
As of Wednesday evening, Johnston County health officials said there are 55 positive COVID-19 cases in the county with 15 hospitalized. Four people in the county have died.
Cooper has signed an executive order spelling out new restrictions on nursing homes and other long-term care facilities to help limit the spread of the virus:
- Staff members are required to wear masks.
- Residents and staff will be screened daily for potential COVID-19 symptoms.
- Common areas are closed, and the movement of non-essential personnel is restricted.
- Infected residents must be moved to a separate part of each facility, where they will be cared for by staff that don't care for uninfected residents.
Cooper, in his Wednesday press conference, said nursing homes have become "a hotspot" for coronavirus cases.
"These are shockingly large numbers," Cooper said. "More are likely to come."
Dr. Mandy Cohen, secretary of the state Department of Health and Human Services, said outbreaks have been reported at 21 congregate living facilities statewide, 18 of which are nursing homes.
"Residents of the facility who have tested positive for COVID-19 are isolated from others. None of the residents that have so far been diagnosed have exhibited severe symptoms or signs of respiratory distress," officials from Pinehurst Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center said in a statement. "The facility will work in a coordinated effort with the Moore County Health Department to closely monitor residents and stop the further spread of COVID-19."
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