6 Dead Of Coronavirus At Hayward Nursing Home

HAYWARD, CA — Six patients at a skilled nursing facility in Hayward have died from the coronavirus, Alameda County public health officials said on Wednesday.

An additional 29 residents and 24 staff members at the Gateway Care and Rehabilitation Center at 26660 Patrick Ave. in Hayward have tested positive for the coronavirus, according to health officials.

"Our thoughts are with those individuals' families, friends and their fellow residents," county health officials said in a statement, referring to the six people who died.

In addition, nine residents and 17 staff members at the East Bay Post-Acute Healthcare Center at 20259 Lake Chabot Rd. in Castro Valley have tested positive for COVID-19, health officials said, adding that none of the residents or staff members have died.

The county said the numbers being reported now "should be considered a 'point-in-time' count" and will be updated as the county gets more information and facility operators agree to release new information.

Don't miss updates about coronavirus precautions as they are announced. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters.

County health officials said they have provided detailed guidance to the Hayward and Castro Valley facilities and are working with their staff members to ensure they receive sufficient personal protective equipment and training and have enough resources.

The county said Alameda County Public Health Department staff members have conducted onsite visits and are providing support and guidance to control the spread of COVID-19 at the two facilities.

In addition, public health officials said they are tracking suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19 at long-term care facilities throughout Alameda County.

They said, "We take these cases very seriously and have established a task force to address the unique needs and challenges of these facilities."

The county said the task force is conducting outreach to facilities and works to implement infection control and prevention procedures. Health officials said they held a conference call last month with providers, followed by an email, to share resources and best practices and answer questions.

In a separate concerning development, the Alameda County Sheriff's Office said 11 inmates at the Santa Rita Jail in Dublin have tested positive for COVID-19, a dramatic increase over the total of three inmates that was reported on Tuesday.

Spokesman Sgt. Ray Kelly said authorities also are awaiting the results of tests that have been conducted on seven additional inmates.

Copyright 2020 by Bay City News, Inc. —Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.

Full coronavirus coverage: California Coronavirus: Latest Updates On Cases, Orders, Closures