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Multiple San Diego nursing homes dealing with coronavirus cases

Posted at 2:06 PM, Mar 27, 2020
and last updated 2020-03-27 20:37:45-04

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - Two San Diego nursing homes are now dealing with positive cases of COVID-19.

La Vida Real, an assisted living center in Rancho San Diego, confirmed to 10News that four of its staff members have tested positive for coronavirus.

The facility is one of 32 owned by the Senior Resource Group. It’s the second local assisted living center to be hit with COVID-19.

This Wednesday, San Diego County officials confirmed to 10News a positive case at Stellar Care Center, just south of the College Area.

Across the country, concerns over the spread of the virus in nursing homes keeps growing:

  • In Kirkland, Washington, an outbreak at the Life Care assisted living center lead to at least 35 reported deaths.
  • In Louisiana, eleven deaths have now been linked to a retirement community out of New Orleans.
  • In Mount Laurel, New Jersey, three patients at a nursing home have now died after testing positive.

La Vida Real issued a statement to 10News, detailing how the company is handling the coronavirus cases:

"La Vida Real has communicated with residents and their families, and is in close contact with San Diego County health officials, after learning that four staff members in our assisted living and memory care building tested positive for COVID-19. We are monitoring the situation closely and requiring all staff in the assisted living and memory care building to wear masks when inside the building and use personal protective equipment when interacting with residents showing any symptoms, per CDC guidelines. Out of an abundance of caution we are also working with the health department to test one additional employee and four residents in memory care.

We will continue to follow CDC and public health department guidance and take the steps necessary to protect the health and safety of residents and staff. We are committed to continue the rigorous protective measures and precautionary actions we have implemented in this challenging environment. And while the effects of this virus are impacting everyone, we take protecting our residents and employees very seriously."

Additionally, the organization says they continue to take extensive precautionary measures for residents and staff at the community, including:

  • Visits are limited to essential visitors only. (Adults over the age of 18 who are medical providers, hospice care providers, or visitors of residents who are at the end of life.)
  • All visitors and employees must complete an extensive screening process including travel and health questions as well as have their temperature read.
  • Essential visits may only occur in resident rooms.
  • All visitors and employees should practice precautionary measures such as use of sanitizers, hand washing and social distancing.
  • Our onsite restaurant and communal dining rooms have been closed. Residents are being offered multiple menu choices and snacks delivered with complimentary room service.
  • All community events have been canceled until further notice.
  • Virtual activities, aimed at engaging our residents physically, intellectually and spiritually are being encouraged throughout the community.