Two of Clark County’s four COVID-19 patients died Monday night.
The two deaths were a married couple in their 80s, who were hospitalized last week at PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center.
The couple lived at different long-term care facilities in Clark County, and they most likely contracted COVID-19 in the county, because they had no recent travel history, according to Clark County Public Health Officer Dr. Alan Melnick.
One patient lived at a small adult family home in Clark County, and the other lived at Van Mall Retirement in Vancouver, which has about 180 residents.
No other residents at either of those long-term care facilities have shown symptoms of COVID-19 or been tested for it, Clark County Public Health Officer Dr. Alan Melnick said at a press conference Tuesday morning at the Public Service Center in downtown Vancouver.
“I can’t imagine what the family is going through. It’s tough enough losing both of your parents at one time,” Melnick said. “It’s got to be incredibly difficult for them now.”
High alert
Clark County’s long-term care facilities have been operating under increased restrictions since March 10, when Gov. Jay Inslee issued new rules to protect older adults.
Long-term care facilities are somewhat familiar with isolation measures because of frequent influenza outbreaks. According to Clark County Public Health data, there have been 58 flu deaths in Clark County between 2014 and 2019. There have been 56 flu outbreaks in the same time period.
COVID-19 is much more contagious and deadly than influenza, and there are no vaccines or treatments yet for COVID-19 like there are for the flu.
Close to 60 of Washington’s COVID-19 cases are tied to a nursing facility in Kirkland, and 29 deaths were tied to that facility as of Monday. More than 10 nursing homes in the King County area have had confirmed COVID-19 cases.
“The risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19 appears to be higher in people 60 years or older and in those with chronic health conditions,” Inslee said on March 10. “And we know there is an increased risk among people who live in congregated settings, such as long-term care facilities. We need to protect our older adults, and these rules will help.”
Van Mall sent The Columbian a statement outlining precautions they are taking to protect residents and staff. Residents are being served meals, and only medically necessary visits are allowed. All medical visitors are being screened for COVID-19 symptoms. Social activities have been canceled, although residents will get to go on walks and do other limited activities that don’t interfere with social distancing.
Residents have been asked to remain in their apartments and visit common areas only as necessary. They are also encouraged to stay on the Van Mall premises as much as possible. Van Mall is sanitizing every two hours throughout the campus.
“Our staff at Van Mall and the entire Leisure Care team are committed to continue working tirelessly and do everything in our power to provide the best service in the safest manner possible,” Chief Operating Officer Ryan Rasar said in a statement.
Vancouver Orchards Retirement Community is taking the temperature of all staff before they start work and after they leave, spokesperson Tracy Shanks said in an email. They are continually sanitizing their kitchen and other areas of the facility. Hand-washing happens frequently.
Touchmark at Fairway Village, which offers independent living, assisted living and memory care, has implemented similar restrictions. They have restricted nonessential visitors such as family and friends, volunteers, physical therapy operations and outside entertainment.
Essential visitors are Touchmark staff, police, fire and health care workers, and selected family members who have loved ones at the end-of-life stage, said Timothy Cross, the executive director at Touchmark.
“We acknowledge this protocol disrupts regular visits with families, and our staff will gladly assist residents who would like to connect virtually with families through FaceTime, Skype, or other means,” Cross said in an email.
