Deaths, COVID-19 cases spike at Genesis Healthcare in Milford
Twelve residents have died at Genesis Healthcare in Milford and 61 are presumed positive for COVID-19 as officials say they are working to contain the virus.
“I can assure you that we are working round the clock to keep our patients and residents healthy and as safe as possible. We are doing everything in our power – and everything medical experts know as of this time – to protect our patients, residents and employees,” said Dr. Richard Feifer, chief medical officer for Genesis Healthcare.
On April 15, Feifer said 12 residents had passed away at the facility. Another 61 residents in the 136-bed facility have been tested and are presumed positive, he said. Of the 61, however, he said 30 are now asymptomatic and stable.
Thirteen staff members have also been tested and are presumed positive, he said.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to those impacted by COVID-19 during this difficult time, especially the families of the 12 residents who passed away,” Feifer said.
To combat the virus, Feifer said, the facility has enacted stringent visitation restrictions that exceeded some public health guidelines put forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
According to Genesis's website, facilities began screening visitors March 5, which increased to mandated temperature checks for all entrants by March 10. The same day, a no-visitation policy was implemented for areas with community spread of COVID-19.
By March 26, the facility required face masks and eye protection for all patient care staff, and patient screenings were increased to three times a day.
Taking note of fatalities in nursing homes and long-term care facilities, Gov. John Carney issued stricter guidelines April 15 to prevent spread in those facilities. The updated emergency order requires nursing home and long-term care facilities to immediately ensure they are in full compliance with the Public Health Authority guidance related to COVID-19, including checking at least once a day for Division of Public Health information.
In an April 15 update on COVID-19 cases in long-term care and nursing facilities, state officials reported 19 care facilities with a total of 97 positive COVID-19 cases involving residents/patients or staff. Twenty-eight deaths were reported relating to long-term care facilities – more than half of the total deaths in the state. The 14 facilities with multiple positives include Atlantic Shores Rehab and Health Center, Millsboro, and Genesis HealthCare Milford Center, Milford. Brandywine Living at Seaside Pointe reported one fatality at its center.
Overall, Delaware has posted 2,014 total laboratory-confirmed cases as of the Cape Gazette's deadline April 16. The breakdown includes:
- New Castle County cases: 974
- Kent County cases: 345
- Sussex County cases: 678
- Unknown county: 17
- Males: 910; females: 1,102; unknown: 2
- Age range: 1 to 97
- Currently hospitalized: 208; critically ill: 48 . These are individuals currently hospitalized in Delaware regardless of residence and not cumulative.
- Delawareans recovered: 354
- 11,088 negative cases
