Coronavirus: 8 Deaths, 49 Cases At Aurora Nursing Home

AURORA, CO — At least 49 cases of the new coronavirus have been confirmed after an outbreak at a nursing home in Aurora, state health officials said. The Colorado Department of Public Health is working with the Tri-County Health Department to investigate the outbreak, which has been linked to eight deaths.

After learning that several staff had tested positive for the infection, Juniper Village decided to test all staff and residents through a private lab, health officials said. The lab confirmed that 33 of 46 residents and 16 of 25 staff members are positive for COVID-19.

“We know that the populations in these facilities are among the most vulnerable and are at highest risk of severe illness from this virus,” Rachel Herlihy, a state epidemiologist, said in a statement.

“The department is doing everything we can to be as transparent as possible regarding reported outbreaks to keep people safe while protecting patient privacy. We continue to be aggressive in our recommendations to ensure the appropriate infection prevention measures are in place to slow and limit the spread of COVID-19 in these facilities.”

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The investigation at Juniper Village began March 27 when epidemiologists from Tri-County Health Department notified state health officials that their local investigations of positive COVID-19 cases included several health care workers from the facility. Since then, a team of infection preventionists and epidemiologists from both departments have conducted a number of virtual consultations with Juniper Village, health officials said. The consultations have included assessing the facility’s current practices and providing technical assistance and support for infection prevention, use of personal protective equipment and staffing recommendations.

State health officials also visited Juniper Village April 2 after receiving a complaint about the facility's infection prevention practices, health officials said.

“We are distressed by the outbreak of COVID-19 at the Juniper Village and the tragic loss of life and extend our deepest sympathy to the families who lost loved ones,” John Douglas, the executive director of Tri-County Health Department, said in a statement. “COVID-19 can cause particularly severe illness in older adults, and we appreciate the support of CDPHE in strengthening steps to prevent further illness at this facility.”

The investigation at Juniper Village could take several months, health officials said.

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