Coronavirus outbreak at Ohio nursing home kills 11, infects more than 90 residents, employees

NEWARK, Ohio — More than 90 residents and employees of a Newark, Ohio, nursing home have contracted COVID-19 infections following an outbreak within the facility that has killed 11 residents since July 1.

Health officials told WBNS that by Wednesday the outbreak at Newark Care and Rehabilitation Center had infected 59 residents and 32 employees. According to the Ohio Department of Health, the case total includes confirmed, suspected and probable cases.

“We know COVID-19 can spread quickly in long-term care environments, and we will continue to work with the facility staff to provide the guidance or supplies they need to respond,” Licking County Health Commissioner Chad Brown said in news release.

The department has already provided the facility with additional personal protection equipment and virus testing supplies, WBNS reported.

Citing the facility’s website claim of offering 175 beds, WCMH estimated that if Newark Care and Rehabilitation Center was at capacity at the time of the outbreak then 40% of the facility’s residents have either tested positive for COVID-19 or died from virus-related complications.

“Our continued collaboration with both the Licking County Health Department and (the Ohio Department of Health) has been instrumental in our response to this outbreak,” Newark Care and Rehabilitation Center Licensed Nursing Home Administrator Scott Ratliff said in the news release.

“We’re encouraged by the progress we have made and the support we have received from our local community. We have been – and will continue – to follow the recommendations from LCHD, ODH, and the CDC. I’m also thankful for our dedicated Newark Care and Rehabilitation team who have worked tirelessly for the betterment of our residents during this most difficult time,” he added.

Cox Media Group