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7 Riverview nursing home residents die, dozens test positive for COVID-19

Posted at 12:34 PM, Apr 10, 2020
and last updated 2020-04-10 18:24:51-04

RIVERVIEW, Mich. (WXYZ) — Seven residents from a Riverview nursing home have died from the coronavirus, while dozens more tested positive for the virus.

Rivergate Terrace nursing home says 21 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 as of April 9, along with 15 associates.

We have been and will continue to follow all CMS, CDC and state and local health department guidelines concerning COVID-19. Our associates are being diligent on practicing proper hand hygiene and the use of personal protective equipment, which is recurring education they normally receive, beginning with their orientation at our facility, said Sujata Chaddha, Interim Executive Director. "Every associate is also screened when they arrive for work and when they leave, including checking temperature, to ensure no additional sickness is brought into our building. Anyone with a fever over 100.0 is sent home and asked to contact their personal physician."

Though HIPAA privacy guidelines prevent the sharing of personal patient information, Rivergate Terrace did share these details about coronavirus testing and results at their facility:

  • 22 Rivergate Terrace residents were tested for COVID-19 after being transferred to local hospitals. 21 of those tests came back positive. One came back negative.
  • We received notification of the first positive test on March 25.
  • As we received notification of each positive test, any resident who was known to have contact with the resident who tested positive was immediately isolated.
  • Three of the 21 residents who tested positive have returned to our facility and are under the isolated care of our facility associates. We are following the guidance of our medical director and local hospitals and will continue to care for these residents in-house unless a resident’s condition progresses to a level of care that requires a transfer back to the hospital.
  • Seven of the residents who remained at the hospital after testing positive have passed away. The other residents are continuing their recovery in the hospital.
  • One resident test is pending.
  • 17 associates have been tested for COVID-19. 15 of those tests came back positive; the other two tests were negative. The associates who tested positive are recovering at home and will not return to work until they have met specific guidelines from the state health department and CDC about returning to work after COVID-19.
"These guidelines also place restrictions on the entrance of visitors, family members and vendors. Signage with information on COVID-19 and details about these restrictions is posted on our doors. Our entrance is also equipped with an infection prevention station that includes personal protection supplies," said Chaddha.

"Our heartfelt condolences go out to the friends and loved ones of the patients who have passed away. The safety and well-being of our residents will remain our highest priority as we continue to work in partnership with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Wayne County Health Department and follow the guidance they provide."

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