(Update: Add company statement)
BEND, Oregon (KTVZ) – Deschutes County health services said Wednesday they are investigating a COVID-19 outbreak in Mt. Bachelor Memory Care in Bend that has led to more than 20 confirmed cases of the virus.
One resident tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday, and Health Services staff responded quickly to evaluate all residents and staff, begin the contact tracking needed to contain such an outbreak, and assess the outbreak dimensions.
There are currently more than 20 cases associated with this outbreak, with some test results pending, the agency said.
Deschutes County Health Services and the Mt. Bachelor Memory Care staff are working closely with the Oregon Health Authority and the Department of Human Services. The facility has notified families of all patients.
DHS is on-site at the facility to help implement appropriate response protocols, according to the announcement. Additionally, an OHA Associated Infection Healthcare team is providing comprehensive infection prevention consultations with the center, DHS, and Health Services staff.
“We are very concerned about this outbreak and its effects on these highly vulnerable residents, their families and the staff at this facility,” said Dr. George Conway, Director of Deschutes County Health Services.
“We have been working closely with local long-term care centers to prevent new infections and protect the most vulnerable people in our communities,” added Conway.
Per state guidelines, assisted living facilities that report having a staff member or resident with COVID-19 cannot accept new residents and have additional visitor-related restrictions.
Mount The owners of Bachelor Memory Care, Frontier Management LLC, provided NewsChannel 21 with the following statement:
“Mt Bachelor Memory Care has taken a proactive approach since the beginning of the year in reviewing practices, providing education to staff and residents on ways to reduce their risk of COVID-19 exposure and transmission.
“Mt Bachelor Memory Care began reviewing and implementing protocols and best practices in late February to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 exposure and transmission.
“These practices include staff education, detection and surveillance of staff and visitors, limitation and restriction of outside guests and staff, social distancing, increased cleaning practices, and updated standards and practices for admissions, readmissions, and use of third-party providers.
“The community will continue to work with all local, state and government officials and health care authorities to ensure that the residents of our community continue to live in a safe and healthy environment.
“The health, safety, and well-being of the residents and staff of Mt Bachelor Memory Care is and will remain the primary focus during this difficult time for our country.”
