Nearly Half Stratford Coronavirus Deaths From Nursing Home
STRATFORD, CT — Nearly half of the Stratford residents who had died as of Thursday after contracting the new coronavirus lived in the town’s sole nursing home, according to data recently released by the state.
As of Thursday, nine residents at Lord Chamberlain Nursing and Rehabilitation Center had died in connection with the new coronavirus and 23 nursing home residents were confirmed to have contracted the virus, also called COVID-19. The town Thursday reported a total of 19 virus-associated deaths and 326 confirmed cases.
“A significant portion of nursing home patients are over the age of 80 and that that age group is one of the highest risk groups for becoming ill, suffering complications and sadly dying from COVID-19,” Stratford Director of Health Andrea Boissevain said in an email. “Our hearts and prayers go out to those families who lost a loved one.”
Of the 19 Stratford residents reported to have died as of Thursday after getting the virus, 12 were at least 80, according to town data.
Across Connecticut, there were 375 virus-related deaths of nursing home residents and 1,713 confirmed cases inside nursing homes as of Thursday. Statewide, the total death toll from the virus Thursday was 971, and 15,884 active cases had been confirmed.
“We are well-aware of how stressful this is for the families of our residents,” said communications professional Andrea Obston in a statement on behalf of Lord Chamberlain. “They have our word that we will continue to keep them informed of any changes in our residents’ health, whether from the virus or other conditions.”
The Stratford nursing home, which has 190 beds, has adopted all safety measures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control as well as the state, Obston said, adding staff are well-trained and have adequate protective equipment to continue their work amid the virus outbreak.
“We continue to meet all state and federal guidelines for the protection of our residents and staff,” Obston said in the statement, noting that as the outbreak continues, Lord Chamberlain remains in contact with state and local health agencies.
This article originally appeared on the Stratford Patch
