HICKORY, N.C. — Catawba County Public Health is investigating a newly identified outbreak of COVID-19 at Abernethy Laurels in Newton, where 3 residents and 2 staff members have tested positive for the virus.
According to officials, the facility is informing patients, their family members, and staff about the situation.
This is the sixth congregate-care facility outbreak identified in Catawba County. In a congregate living setting, a COVID-19 outbreak is defined as two or more laboratory-confirmed cases.
The facility previously responded to an outbreak that involved 3 individuals. That outbreak has since resolved.
“We are deeply concerned about how difficult preventing the spread of COVID-19 is proving to be in Catawba County,” said Catawba County Public Health Director Jennifer McCracken. “COVID-19 is spreading before people even realize they are infected. This is significantly increasing our local case numbers countywide and, as we have seen in the past few days, continuing to impact our most vulnerable residents.
“I cannot stress enough that the majority of our local cases are coming from contacts within the community,” McCracken continued. “It is especially important for us to take precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19, particularly to health care workers and others who care for those living in congregate care facilities every day.”
Elaine Link's sister, Myra Warren, stays in Abernethy Laurels' independent living section.
Link said before the latest outbreak, the facility eased the rules so her sister could walk the hallway outside her residence, but now she must stay in her room.
"A lot of very sad folks," Link said her sister told her. "A lot of tears."
Though Warren's in a unique situation because she's allowed to leave the facility to take care of her adult son who has disabilities. However, Link said her sister felt guilty she has the freedom to leave when others can't leave."Other folks are so depressed now," Link said.
"Dealing with the fact that they can't get out of their rooms."
United Church Homes, which owns Abernethy Laurels, released the following statement:
"As of 7/9/20, we had three residents and two employees test positive for COVID-19. The first positive case was a resident who had a recent hospital stay, which led us to proactively conduct widespread testing of over 300 residents and staff whereby two additional residents and two team members tested positive. Fortunately, one of the three residents has already tested negative upon a retest. We remain vigilant in following all guidance and recommendation from the CDC, CMS and both local and state health departments. As reopening continues in our state, we ask that the public assist us in protecting our elders by following public heath guidance in wearing a face covering when out in public."
The facility has conducted additional testing and is working closely with Public Health to ensure control measures are in place to help prevent further spread of the disease.