Coronavirus: 12 test positive at Spokane Veterans Home

SPOKANE, Wash. — Twelve residents at the Spokane Veterans Home have tested positive for the coronavirus, the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs said Saturday.

Officials said those who have tested positive were housed in one area of the facility, and employees are working to prevent the spread to other areas.

“We are learning from the experiences of other long-term care facilities and working to defeat this enemy that has come through our door,” said Lourdes E. Alvarado-Ramos, director of the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs. “Our team is working around the clock to care for our residents and prevent further spread of the virus.”

Officials said the residents’ families had been notified of the cases.

According to officials, the leadership team at the facility has consulted with a multi-care team that was provided by the Washington State Department of Health, and it has reviewed and approved a screening process for employees. Officials said DOH regulations and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention protocols are being followed.

Officials said all residents are being monitored for symptoms related to the virus.

Additional cleaning is also being performed to help prevent the spread at the facility and workers are wearing personal protective equipment as care is provided for the residents, officials said.

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