Fifteen percent of Treasure Coast COVID-19 cases have been among patients or staff at long-term care facilities, a rate more than double the statewide average, 6%.
Moreover, St. Lucie County led the region, with more than one in five cases at long-term care facilities, such as assisted-living facilities and nursing homes, according to the state Department of Health.
Despite the relatively significant number of cases at long-term care facilities here, local and state officials are unwilling to provide details.
The Department of Health and Florida and Florida Agency for Health Care Administration declined multiple requests for comment on whether there is an outbreak at any particular nursing home or assisted-living facility. The state cites personal privacy and the epidemiology process for its refusal to release information.
More: Coronavirus on the Treasure Coast: Death count stays at 15 as confirmed cases reach 419
As of Friday morning, the Treasure Coast had 64 coronavirus cases reported at long-term care facilities: 44 in St. Lucie County, with two deaths; 11 in Martin County, with one death; and nine in Indian River County, with one death.
St. Lucie County officials reached Thursday would not say if they knew of any outbreaks at a particular long-term care facility.
“I don’t have the specifics on that,” Ron Parrish, public safety director, said. He instead said that the county is focused on providing supplies, like protective gear, to area nursing homes and assisted-living facilities.
Cathy Townsend, county commission chairwoman, initially said she is confident in St. Lucie County's response to the coronavirus.
“We’re prepared as much as you can be prepared,” Townsend said.
Learning from a TCPalm reporter of the extent of the virus in the county's long-term care facilities, Townsend said she would ask staff for answers.
The Treasure Coast's first reported cases of the coronavirus at long-term care facilities were April 2. By April 8, there were eight reported cases in St. Lucie County. By April 9, that more than doubled, to 19. One week later, cases nearly doubled again to 36.
In Indian River County, positive cases at long-term care facilities have increased in recent days. Four of the eight new cases this week are linked back to a long-term care facility. Testing also is very limited, with less than an average of 37 results a day reported to the Department of Health in the last week.
More: Treasure Coast lags in coronoavirus testing, but Cleveland Clinic provides relief
If an outbreak was to occur, and the Department of Health identified the issue and decided additional support was needed, the health officials could contact their respective counties for assistance, Martin County Emergency Management Director Michele Jones said. She said she has not heard from Department of Health of a need for Martin County long-term care facilities.
“There hasn’t been any identified gaps,” Jones said.
Instances around Florida have shown potential slow response to burgeoning issues at nursing homes and assisted-living facilities. In Suwannee County, 75 of the 85 COVID-19 cases are at long-term care facilities. In Clay County, 39% of cases are at long-term care facilities. There are 16 counties with more than 20% of its cases at long-term care, according to a review of state data, and five of which a majority of them are in the facilities.
Joshua Solomon is a watchdog and government reporter covering Martin County. You can reach him at 772-692-8935 or joshua.solomon@tcpalm.com. Support our local journalism.
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COVID-19 infections on the Treasure Coast: Long-term care cases more than twice statewide rate - TCPalm
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