South Yarmouth nursing home clear of COVID-19 outbreak, owner says
Windsor Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in South Yarmouth has returned to normal operations after a COVID-19 outbreak that started on Feb. 21. As of Thursday, five resident deaths were reported during the outbreak, according to the state Department of Public Health.
A total of 72 residents and 21 staff members recovered from COVID-19, while three residents were discharged to go home.
"The nursing home is up and running again, thanks to the staff, administration and the rapid response team for keeping things stable," Lisa Gaudet, vice president of business development and marketing at Integritus Healthcare, said Thursday. "Their hard work and commitment got us through the difficult times. I also want to extend gratitude towards the Department of Public Health, surrounding towns and resident families for their support throughout."
The nursing home operates under Integritus Healthcare, a nonprofit Massachusetts-based company that provides senior housing and health care, memory care, hospice and palliative care.
State public health officials issued an admissions freeze notice to the facility on Feb. 28 in response to the outbreak. In addition, a state-supported rapid response team (RRT) was providing clinical support at the facility since February 28.
Earlier coverage: Fifth COVID-19 death reported at South Yarmouth nursing home. State response team on site.
According to Gaudet, the rapid response team left the facility March 10, following the recovery of residents. The Department of Public Health lifted the admissions freeze at this facility on March 16.
"Once the admissions freeze was lifted, we were well positioned to receive admissions in terms of staffing," said Gaudet. "When the ban lifted we had 81 residents and since admitted three people. The center currently has 84 in- house residents."
The nursing and rehabilitation center is at 265 North Main St. The center is currently conducting an analysis of the outbreak event, according to Gaudet. "We are looking into what went right during this crisis and also into what we would need to improve in the future days to tackle future emergencies," she said.
The COVID-19 community risk level in Barnstable County on Thursday was low, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: South Yarmouth nursing home clear of COVID-19 outbreak; 5 deaths total
