Coronavirus In Nursing Homes: Cases In Forest Hill, Bel Air

BEL AIR, MD — Two congregate living facilities in Harford County have reported 231 confirmed cases of the coronavirus. These facilities account for 32 percent of confirmed cases and 66.6 percent of deaths from the virus in Harford County, based on data released Wednesday.

In Harford County, 36 people have died from COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, according to the Maryland Department of Health. Of those, 24 people were in congregate living facilities.

"These data confirm the understanding that while everyone is at risk for getting COVID-19, it's those who are higher risk — older people and those with underlying medical conditions — that are more likely to die from the virus," Harford County Health Officer Russell Moy, M.D., told the County Council this week, speaking about the incidences of the virus at nursing homes.

The Bel Air Health and Rehabilitation Center and Forest Hill Health and Rehabilitation Center are the two congregate living locations in the county where the virus has been reported.

At the Bel Air Health and Rehabilitation Center, 84 residents and 28 staff members have tested positive for the virus, the Maryland Department of Health reported Wednesday. Officials say 14 residents there have died.

At Forest Hill Health and Rehabilitation Center, authorities said 89 residents and 30 staff tested positive for the virus. Ten residents there have died from the COVID-19, state health officials report.

Both facilities are overseen by Sava Senior Care, which reported in April after its first cases were confirmed in Harford County that staff members were given temperature screenings before every shift, outside health care professionals were also screened before entering, and workers were given personal protective equipment.

Residents have not had visitors since March, by order of the governor. Communal activities including group dining ceased in early March; residents eat in their rooms and only go on outings for necessary medical appointments, according to Sava Senior Care.

Across the state, health officials reported Wednesday 3,650 people in congregate living facilities — residents and staff included — have tested positive for the virus, making up 8.6 percent of the cases in Maryland. The 1,131 resident deaths represent 56.4 percent of the deaths in Maryland, where 2,004 people have died from the virus as of Wednesday, May 20.

Harford County has 721 cases of the new coronavirus and 36 deaths as of Wednesday, May 20, according to the Maryland Department of Health.

For local resources, visit the Harford County COVID-19 page.

See Also:

• Drive-Up COVID-19 Testing at Aberdeen Patient First
• Forest Hill Coronavirus Testing Site Opening This Week: Officials
• Coronavirus Reported At Bel Air Health And Rehabilitation Center
• Forest Hill Coronavirus Outbreak: 1 Dead, Several Infected