New Nursing Home Claims Most BK Coronavirus Deaths

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK — The Phoenix Rehabilitation & Nursing Center boasts panoramic views of New York City's skyline, a prime location tucked next to Fort Greene Park and luxurious, five-star environment for its short-term patients.

None of that mattered to the new coronavirus, which infiltrated the 11-story, 400-bed facility and exacted a grim toll on its residents.

Fifty-four patients died from the coronavirus at Phoenix — the most of any nursing home in Brooklyn, according to updated state data.

Cobble Hill Health Center once held that unfortunate distinction — in fact, its deaths once led the state — but the new, self-reported figures released Monday show officials revised that facility's tally down by two. It now reports 53 confirmed and presumed coronavirus deaths.

Phoenix Rehabilitation & Nursing Center administrators, in a statement, said skilled nursing providers and nursing homes have continued to accept patients with positive coronavirus diagnoses.

"We ourselves have continued to accept COVID-19 positive patients from hospitals to allow room and resources for those newly diagnosed," the statement read. "By accepting these patients, it is to be expected that the number of deaths will continue to rise as reported by nursing homes across all five boroughs, the state, nation, and beyond."

The figures released Monday show an additional 1,700 deaths reported at nursing homes across New York.

Brooklyn had 683 deaths, the second-most in the state behind Queens, with 832.

Conditions in nursing home amid the coronavirus pandemic have attracted continued attention, especially in Brooklyn.

A whistleblower weeks back detailed how residents at a Crown Heights/Flatbush-area nursing home were locked inside their rooms. Brooklyn and New York City politicians called for an investigation into conditions and surged supplies to nursing homes.

Phoenix administrators said in their statement they will continue to provide comfort and dignity to coronavirus patients in their final days.

"We continue to remain positive in our efforts and we are proud of the care that we continue to provide each and every patient," the statement read. "Our dedicated team is strong and serve as the glue that allows us to navigate this global pandemic effectively and with grace."