With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
From Newport Beach to Yucaipa, SoCal Nursing Homes Are Hard-Hit By Coronavirus
The Gateway Care and Rehabilitation Center in Hayward remains open after a tenth patient died from COVID-19 complications. (Justin Sullivan/)
()
Coronavirus cases are clustering in SoCal nursing homes -- in areas rural and urban, wealthy and working-class -- as shown through new data released by the California Department of Public Health.
The state data helps to pinpoint the most worrisome trouble spots by naming facilities with at least one confirmed case among residents and staff. More than a fifth of the state's 1,224 skilled nursing facilities -- 261 homes -- had reported cases as of April 17.
According to the CDPH, the data "is comprised of a point-in-time snapshot of the 86% of [skilled nursing facilities] who reported their data within the last 24 hours." The state does not provide information about deaths.
In Southern California, there are dozens of nursing homes on the state's list, everywhere from Newport Beach to Hollywood. The hardest-hit in the Los Angeles area include Brier Oak on Sunset in East Hollywood (142 cases), Country Villa South Convalescent Center in Palms (73 cases), and Brighton Care Center in Pasadena (63 cases). (Numbers are combined staff and patients who have tested positive.)
Support for LAist comes from
The map above shows skilled nursing facilities in Southern California that have reported positive cases of COVID-19, whether among staff or patients. The colors represent how many patients have tested positive at a facility (gray = 0; yellow = <11 ; shades of red = 11+). Note: Two facilities could not be mapped based on the limited information provided by the state. Those facilities are "HI-DESERT MEDICAL CENTER D/P SNF" and "PROVIDENCE ONTARIO," both in San Bernardino County and each with fewer than 11 patients and fewer than 11 staff testing positive. Data: California Department of Public Health (you can see the full list of sites across the state)
At his regular coronavirus briefing on Saturday, Gov. Gavin Newsom said the state is monitoring thousands of skilled nursing facilities, senior centers and assisted living facilities, and prioritizing the distribution of testing kits and personal protective equipment to those sites.
He underscored that nursing home outbreaks are taking place not just in populous parts of the state, but also in more rural areas. In Yucaipa, for example, 16 people have died at the Cedar Mountain Post Acute Rehabilitation and 70 residents and 33 staff members have tested positive for COVID-19.
"It's just a reminder that none of us are immune from this disease," Newsom said. "And then if we stop taking it seriously, we will have serious consequences."
Newsom urged Californians to volunteer at places such as senior facilities by signing up at www.serve.ca.gov.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
What do stairs have to do with California’s housing crisis? More than you might think, says this Culver City councilmember. -
Yes, it's controversial, but let me explain. -
Doctors say administrator directives allow immigration agents to interfere in medical decisions and compromise medical care. -
The Palisades Fire erupted on Jan. 7 and went on to kill 12 people and destroy more than 6,800 homes and buildings. -
People moving to Los Angeles are regularly baffled by the region’s refrigerator-less apartments. They’ll soon be a thing of the past. -
Experts say students shouldn't readily forgo federal aid. But a California-only program may be a good alternative in some cases.
Best of LAist