ATHENS, Ga. — Several patients at one Georgia nursing home who tested presumptive positive for the coronavirus have died in recent weeks. However, the exact cause of death for the patients was not released by the nursing home.
"We are saddened to share that 10 patients of PruittHealth – Grandview who previously tested presumptive positive for COVID-19 have passed away in the past few weeks, the PruittHealth's Communications Department said in a statement to 11Alive. "We cannot confirm or deny the cause of death for any of these individuals."
PruittHealth-Grandview, which is located in Athens, is operating under an Alert Code Red status. The website lists this status as a location that "has experienced multiple cases of an emergency infectious disease or a confirmed or presumptive case of a pandemic infectious disease within the facility."
The communications department said the facility has been strictly following enhanced infection control protocols, including increasing cleaning frequency, postponing communal activities, ceasing visitation and screening staff and patients daily.
They have also restricted staff to essential personnel; they are ceasing new admissions at this time.
"We ask for your prayers for the patients’ loved ones during this difficult time, and out of respect for them and the patients' privacy, we cannot share any more details at this time," the communications department said in its statement.
Just last month, 11Alive talked to PruittHealth's chief executive officer, Neil Pruitt, after a resident at the Athens location first tested presumptive positive for COVID-19. He said they isolated the patient, who was also taken to the hospital. They also had setup call centers at their headquarters in Norcross, where nurses were answering family questions.
PruittHealth said any employee, patient, or family member with questions can contact the Emergency Operations Center at 855-742-5983. They also have updates online.
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