The death toll at a Durango nursing home experiencing an outbreak of COVID-19 is up to seven people, with nearly all residents now testing positive for the virus, according to San Juan Basin Public Health.
An outbreak of COVID-19 cases was first reported Nov. 23 at Four Corners Health Care Center after three residents and two staff members tested positive.
Last week, health officials said the virus had rapidly spread through the facility. On Thursday, it was reported 84 residents and 48 staff members tested positive, with three people reportedly dead.
On Tuesday, SJBPH said a total of 92 residents and 55 staff members have tested positive, and seven residents have died.
Four Corners Health Care Center has about 100 residents. The center did not respond to a request for comment early this week.
After a member of the nursing staff shared concerns about the nursing home’s protective measures Friday, Four Corners spokeswoman Annaliese Impink said Saturday the facility has been inspected and is in compliance with public health guidelines.
Claire Ninde, spokeswoman for SJBPH, said the local health department is in daily communication with the nursing home to make sure it has enough staff members, support and resources to respond to the outbreak.
Four Corners Health Care Center is also working closely with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Residential Care Strike Team and infection prevention specialists.
“SJBPH and partners will coordinate other consequences of this outbreak, like medical surge and medical transport surge, if necessary,” Ninde said. “This coordination has not been necessary as of today.”
A CDPHE spokesperson said Four Corners Health Care Center leadership notified public health agencies asking for assistance once a positive resident was identified.
The facility had prepared to respond to a positive case by following the public health guidance, CDPHE said, such as cohorting residents and staff, and has been working closely with public health agencies to implement additional prevention measures.
“Unfortunately, Four Corners experienced a number of cases in their memory care unit and as many other facilities have experienced, caring for residents with COVID-19 in a dedicated memory care unit can be challenging to control the virus due to the significant cognitive impairments of those who reside in the unit,” the spokesperson said. “Four Corners worked with the Residential Strike Team to request and was connected with supplemental staff to assist in meeting the needs of the residents in their community.”
Nursing homes, which house one of the most at-risk populations, have been hit hard across the state of Colorado by COVID-19 outbreaks. As of Nov. 6, 101 of the state’s 235 nursing homes had outbreaks, according to The Denver Post.
At Four Corners Health Care Center, health officials believe the virus was likely brought in by a staff member, and spread throughout the facility before cases started to be known.
It is by far La Plata County’s largest outbreak since the pandemic started in March.
jromeo@durangoherald.com
