5 Deaths In Coronavirus Outbreak At Worcester Nursing Home

WORCESTER, MA — Worcester health officials are monitoring a coronavirus outbreak at a nursing and rehabilitation center that has left five people dead and more than 30 sick.

The Christopher House facility, 10 Mary Scano Drive, has seen 34 residents and 13 staff test positive, administrator Sandra Mahoney said Friday. Four more Christopher House residents have recovered from coronavirus.

"We recognize this virus is especially dangerous to the vulnerable populations in nursing homes, and we are following all recommended preventative actions to maintain the health and well-being of the individuals entrusted to our care," Mahoney said in a statement.

The 150-bed facility offers long and short-term care for seniors, including for people suffering from Alzheimer’s.

Long-term care facilities across the state have been devastated by the pandemic. In Worcester, at least 13 residents at the Jewish Healthcare Center had died by mid-April.

As of April 14, dozens were diagnosed with the virus at other Worcester senior-care facilities including Blaire House, Holy Trinity Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Beaumont Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center, Parsons Hill Rehabilitation & Health Care Center, and the Shrewsbury Nursing & Rehab Center.

Statewide, 340 long-term care facilities have seen some type of outbreak, and 3,338 of the state's 5,482 coronavirus deaths have been connected to long-term care facilities. The worst outbreak has been at the Soldier's Home in Holyoke, where 74 residents have died.

Christopher House has been providing updates about the outbreak to city health officials and the state Department of Public Health, a spokesperson said Friday. The facility has also asked for help acquiring personal protective equipment.

Christopher House has dedicated a section of the facility to residents who have been diagnosed with the virus, and is testing all residents for the virus, even if they are not showing symptoms. Testing for staff is still being completed, Mahoney said. And like many facilities, non-essential visitors are not allowed.

"Our top priority continues to be the safety and well-being of our residents and the dedicated staff who are making enormous personal sacrifices to provide compassionate care during this public health crisis," Mahoney said. "All our staff offer their deepest condolences and thoughts to the families and loved ones of residents who have passed away from COVID-19 related illnesses."