Update 3/11:
ELK GROVE, Calif. -- Officials at Elk Grove’s Carlton Senior Living Center confirm the first coronavirus-related death in Sacramento County was a resident at their facility.
In a statement issued Wednesday afternoon, Carlton wrote, “We regret to inform you that a resident of our Elk Grove Community who was recently diagnosed with COVID-19 while in the hospital, unfortunately passed away this evening. The resident will be greatly missed and we are all saddened by this loss. Our hearts are with the family and we ask that you respect their privacy at this time.”
Original:
A resident at the Carlton Senior Living facility in Elk Grove tested positive for the coronavirus [COVID-19], according to a Carlton Senior Living message sent to families Monday afternoon.
“It’s not unexpected. We were just talking about it over the weekend that that could be a possibility,” Debra Morrow, who was planning to move her father into the facility in the next couple weeks, told ABC10.
Morrow got the alert via text message, voicemail, and email.
“A resident at our local hospital in Elk Grove was tested and confirmed positive for COVID-19 and is presently under their care,” the facility said in the message.
This was reported just one day after the Elk Grove Unified School District in the same community canceled school for the entire week.
As a result, the facility added it is delivering meals to residents' apartments, has stopped group activities, and has asked visitors to postpone their visits to family staying at the facility.
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According to a report from the Department of Social Services, this senior living facility has space for up to 180 people and as of last check, had just under 150 people living there at the end of last year.
"I found out today when I went to pick her up and was told that they were not allowing anybody to come in," Marsha Carson, daughter-in-law of a resident, said.
Carson's 94-year-old mother-in-law lives at Carlton and told ABC10 she was allowed to take her out around town but she, physically, wasn't able to go in.
"Well, you wonder where they got it, yes, but it sounds like they're doing a good job of protecting the residents and feeding them inside, I'm sure they're scrambling to try to get everything done," Carson said.
Signs also hang on their front doors asking people not to come inside if they are experiencing any signs or symptoms of illness or fever, sneezing or coughing.
"Of course you're concerned, but I don't want to get overly concerned, she is staying in her room and they're using their precautions, good hand washing and all of that so hopefully it will stay contained," Carson said.
"The Public Health Department did come today to collect records and check on our protocols," the facility said in its message to families. "They were impressed with the systems we have in place as well as our proactive measures. They are requiring that we continue isolation: cancelled activities, meals delivered to apartments and restricting visitors for the next 14 days."
According to the CDC, older adults and people with serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease are at a higher risk from the virus.
The facility will check on their residents when taking daily food orders to see if any virus symptoms are showing, according to the message sent to families. While a 14-day visitor restriction might seem long, Morrow believes it's appropriate and praised the facility's effort to keep families informed and follow protocols.
While it might mean delaying her father's move-in, she's prepared to house him at her place until things clear up.
“I feel good," Morrow said. "We’re all just taking our precautions and washing our hands a lot and not overreacting, just being smart.”
Read the full statement from Calton Senior Living facility below:
Carlton Senior Living Alert Notification Important Message: Our resident’s and staff’s health and well-being are Carlton Senior Living’s priority amid COVID-19 (coronavirus). We have been following CDC and Public Health Department recommendations and have implemented all protocols for communicable disease (influenza, norovirus, COVID-19) since the beginning of the flu season. A resident at our local hospital in Elk Grove was tested and confirmed positive for COVID-19 and is presently under their care. We are meeting with the Public Health Department and are implementing all current recommendations including stopping group activities, delivering meals to residents’ apartment’s and asking all visitors to postpone visits. We understand that stopping visits can be very difficult, but please know we will be taking all recommended measures to assure our residents safety.
CORONAVIRUS BACKGROUND
According to the CDC, coronavirus (COVID-19) is a family of viruses that is spreadable from person to person. Coronavirus is believed to have been first detected in a seafood market in Wuhan, China in December 2019. If someone is sick with coronavirus, the symptoms they may show include mild to severe respiratory illness, cough, and difficulty breathing.
Currently, there is no vaccine, however, the CDC suggests the following precautions, along with any other respiratory illness:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Wash your hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds.
The CDC also says facemasks should only be used by people who show symptoms of the virus. If you’re not sick, you do not have to wear a facemask. The CDC says the immediate risk to the U.S. public is low.
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