SAUGUS — Chestnut Woods Rehabilitation Center in Saugus has now reported 12 deaths relating to COVID-19.
On May 13, the home said it had seen a total of 87 coronavirus cases since the start of the outbreak, including 68 resident cases and 19 staff cases.
According to a statement from Chestnut Woods’ administrator Kyle Lussier, 49 residents are still ill while seven have recovered, and 15 staff members who tested positive have since returned to work.
Lussier said the “insidious” nature of COVID-19 has made it particularly difficult to contain in closely-knit populations.
“Unfortunately, this insidious virus is present in our facility as it is in many long-term care facilities due to community spread,” he said.
Patients at Chestnut Woods have been tested through the National Guard testing program, and Lussier added that the home has taken numerous precautions to mitigate the virus’ spread, including enhancing infection control protocols to protect patients and staff by restricting visitation, screening residents and staff for symptoms, and isolating symptomatic residents and those who have tested positive.
“From the start of the coronavirus outbreak, Chestnut Woods has met or exceeded federal and state health guidelines,” he said. “It’s important to note the many who have also recovered in our care. Even in the face of this pandemic, in extremely challenging circumstances, we have never wavered from our commitment to protect and care for our residents.”
The pandemic hasn’t only affected nursing homes. At the beginning of the month, the town’s public health nurse, Mary McKenzie, said four of Saugus’s 18 group homes have had confirmed cases of COVID-19.
In total, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health has reported 434 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Saugus as of May 14, including 23 deaths.
Lussier said Chestnut Woods has no immediate plans to resume visitations, and he emphasized the center will continue to follow all Center for Disease Control and Department of Public Health guidelines.
“Our caregivers, who often care for residents over many years, grieve with every loss of life,” he said. “The entire staff of Chestnut Woods is devastated by the recent passing of 12 of our residents who had tested positive for COVID-19. We offer our heartfelt condolences to their loved ones.”
