Families work to find ways to visit with loved ones as nursing homes continue to get COVID-19 outbreaks

DAYTON — Dayton and Montgomery County Public Health said nursing homes continue to be a hotbed for the spread of the coronavirus and St. Leonard’s Health and Rehabilitation Center is no exception as they’re currently experiencing an outbreak.

Families who have loved ones in the facility are turning to talking to loved one from their windows.

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There are currently 25 residents and 8 staff members who have tested positive for the coronavirus within that area of the facility.

“It can spread very easily due to the number of people who are living in close proximity. That is an area that is right for spreading,” said Dan Suffoletto with Dayton and Montgomery County Public Health.

Officials at St. Leonard issued a statement regarding the outbreak.

“We are deeply saddened and offer our heartfelt prayers for all those affected by COVID-19, as well as for St. Leonard’s exceptional caregivers who are working tirelessly to protect the well-being of our residents as part of our healing ministry,” it read.

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Public health is currently ensuring the proper measures are being taken as the facility experiences an outbreak.

“During the contact tracing process, what we are trying to do one, is to make sure those are sick are isolated. Then number two, contact people who were in close contact with those and make sure those people are quarantined as well,” Suffoletto said.

News Center 7′s Monica Castro reached out to St. Leonard’s Health and Rehabilitation Center to learn what may have caused the spread of the virus as well as what new visitor restrictions entail.

The facility has not responded, but according to a statement the measures being taken during the outbreak include: restricting visitors, suspending communal activities, consistently monitoring residents and employees for any potential signs of COVID-19, and isolating residents with symptoms.

Castro also asked public health if there is any data to show if visitors have contributed to the outbreak.

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“We can’t say at this point in this case or any case really,” Suffoletto said.

“The more people that have COVID, the more difficult it is to determine exactly where the spread may have started.”

Cox Media Group