Lake County’s 8th, 9th and 10th deaths reported

LAKE COUNTY » Lake County’s Public Health Officer, Gary Pace, MD, MPH, reported three deaths associated with Covid-19-related illness today, all connected to the previously-identified outbreak. All three were greater than 65 years old, and had chronic health conditions.

Twenty-six cumulative positive residents have been reported and fewer than 11 residents have died of the virus at Lakeport Post Acute nursing home, according to an online data dashboard tracking COVID-19 activity in licensed skilled nursing facilities in California.

“This outbreak has been heartbreaking for residents, family, and staff, and it is still being monitored,” said Pace. “These cases appear to have been picked up in the community, and transmit

ted through the facility by people providing care and services. Many people have mild symptoms, and some unknowingly spread COVID-19. Risks for the vulnerable can be dire.”

Pace noted that “seven tragic deaths and 30 infections have occurred despite efforts of staff and public health officials.”

Pace noted, “When an outbreak occurs in a residential facility, there are established protocols to stop the spread: weekly testing of residents and staff; use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE); proper disinfection; and establishment of a separate COVID-19 ward for infected or exposed individuals. These guidelines are being followed now. The State’s Healthcare-associated Infections (HAI) team has visited and consulted, and they did not identify any significant problems.”

A different local facility has also identified two COVid-19-positive staff members. According to the state Dashboard, fewer than 11 cumulative health workers have tested positive at Meadowood Nursing Center in Clearlake.

“They are now isolated, and this facility has put all residents in quarantine, and begun testing all residents and staff; families are being notified, as well,” said Pace. “We are in the early stages of determining if this is a separate significant outbreak or if the virus has been prevented from spreading.”

To protect the privacy of all concerned, Pace noted that no further information will be provided at this time and added that since 10 deaths have now been reported, press releases will not be issued regarding each death.

Data regarding Lake County’s 433 documented COVID-19 infections is available here: http:// health.co.lake.ca.us/coronavirus/covid-19_data. htm.