MEDFORD, Mass. — A coronavirus outbreak at Courtyard Nursing Care Center in Medford has left 54 residents dead and more than half of the residents infected in just four weeks.
The 224-bed facility is owned by Genesis Healthcare.
According to a statement issued by Genesis Chief Medical Officer Dr. Richard Feifer, 54 of 171 residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 have died from the disease.
In total, 42 staff members have also tested positive for coronavirus.
BOSTON 25 NEWS SPECIAL REPORT
Feifer said the average age of the residents who died was over 85 years old.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to those impacted by COVID-19 during this difficult time,” said Feifer.
The facility serves a mix of both short-stay rehabilitation and long-term care patients, many of whom suffer from dementia.
“We care for largely frail, elderly seniors with multiple health conditions who are already more susceptible to the common cold, not to mention a deadly and highly contagious virus like this one,” said Feifer.
He said the facility has been following all precautions and protocols recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, including restricting visitors, screening patients for symptoms multiple times a day, and equipping staff members will all necessary personal protective equipment.
“I can assure you that we are working around the clock to keep our patients and residents healthy and as safe as possible,” Feifer said.
“We are doing everything in our power – and everything medical experts know as of at this time – to protect our patients, residents and employees.”
Feifer said the National Guard has tested all of the residents at the Medford home and is working to test all staff members. He said the majority of the residents who tested positive were not displaying any symptoms.
According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, 2,428 of the state’s 4,090 COVID-19 deaths have come from long-term care facilities.
Related stories:
30 residents at Belmont nursing home die from COVID-19, 116 test positive for virus
Universal testing program could break chain of COVID-19 in nursing homes, assisted living centers
Read more local and national coronavirus coverage
RESOURCES:
- Massachusetts Coronavirus Information
- Boston Coronavirus Information
- Follow us on Facebook and Twitter | Watch Boston 25 NOW
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/7QOJU3BNCJERBNKJC5LWTBYFLU.png)
