Coronavirus: Lorien Elkridge Nursing Home Resident Tests Positive

ELKRIDGE, MD — A woman who lives at the Lorien Elkridge nursing home has tested positive for new coronavirus, health officials said Sunday night. The 82-year-old woman is the first confirmed coronavirus case in Howard County. She has an underlying health condition and currently is hospitalized.

The Maryland Department of Health determined that the resident has tested positive for COVID-19, as the virus is known. In a news release, health officials said no cases of coronavirus have been found at Lorien Columbia, Lorien Hall Assisted Living and Lorien Encore at Turf Valley in Howard County.

The facility is notifying all residents, staff and family members. State and local officials will evaluate and test, as indicated, Lorien Elkridge residents and staff. Infection control guidance and equipment has been given to the facility, and inspectors will be on-site to make sure guidance is being followed, authorities said.

"Lorien is taking all necessary steps to protect and care for our residents and staff, adhering strictly to the guidance of the local and state health departments, trusted medical professionals, and the Center for Disease Control. We have notified residents and visitors who were in close contact with the patient and are following proper protocol to keep our residents and staff safe. Ensuring our residents are cared for in a safe and healthy environment remains our first priority," the nursing home said in a statement.

Lorien Columbia, Lorien Harmony Hall Assisted Living and Lorien Encore at Turf Valley have no confirmed cases.

Anyone who recently visited the nursing home should monitor themselves for symptoms of a respiratory infection, including fever, flu-like symptoms, cough, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, the agency said.

Maryland Department of Health says facilities that serve older adults must:

• Restrict access to essential visits only.
• Restrict activities and visitors with potential for exposure.
• Actively screen individuals entering the building and restrict entry to those with respiratory symptoms or possible exposure to COVID-19.
• Require all individuals entering the building to wash their hands at entry.
• Establish processes to allow remote communication for residents and others.
• Prohibit all staff from international travel.

Read the Maryland Health Department’s guidance to facilities that serve older people here.

Anyone with questions about the case may call the toll-free MDH hotline at 1-877-319-1525. The call center is available every day from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m.

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"Even though this is our first case, we've been preparing for this day," Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said during a press conference held earlier Sunday in Ellicott City. He did not disclose that the patient was at a nursing home; that was released later by state health officials.

To help quell the spread of new coronavirus, Ball declared a state of emergency effective at midnight Sunday. The action orders the shutdown of the county's malls and all businesses there with the exception of restaurants with delivery service for at least seven days. The closure includes movie theaters.

"We need to remain vigilant, but calm. That means to continue social distancing. It is critical that our entire community, including people of all ages, even if you think you're healthy, stay home as much as possible,"Ball said. "We have taken unprecedented steps to slow the community spread by closing schools, libraries and recreation centers, but those closures are in vain if our community doesn't take this seriously. The most important thing you can do to help neighbors and loved ones is to stay home as much as possible. We will only be successful at slowing the spread of this virus if we work together. We must protect our most vulnerable populations. Staying home and limiting contact will ultimately save lives," said Ball. "This is the time for us to look for each other."

Dr. Maura Rossman, Howard County health officer, said investigators are trying to determine how the woman contracted coronavirus.

"This is the time for calm and reason. We knew this day would come. It was inevitable," said Rossman.

Bill Anuszewski, acting fire chief for Howard County Fire and Rescue, also confirmed that six members of the Howard County Fire Department are involved in self quarantine after being exposed to the patient. He explained that in the future, residents should not be alarmed when emergency responders arrive at a call for help wearing additional protective gear to safeguard themselves during the coronavirus pandemic.

All Maryland public schools have been ordered closed for two weeks, and the National Guard has been activated to help fight the coronavirus, Gov. Larry Hogan said Thursday. All public schools in Maryland will be closed Monday through March 27, and all buildings and buses will be cleaned to stop the spread of the virus before students and staff return. The days before spring break will be used as makeup days.

School districts across the state have made plans to provide meals to students who depend on them.

See More:

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