Deschutes County responds to COVID-19 outbreak at local long-term care facility

Update as of July 17, 2020: To date, 31 cases are associated with this outbreak. Some are symptomatic and some have not developed symptoms. No hospitalizations or deaths are associated with this outbreak. 

*********

Deschutes County Health Services is investigating a COVID-19 outbreak at Mt. Bachelor Memory Care in Bend. A resident tested positive for COVID-19 on July 11 and Health Services staff responded quickly to test all residents and staff, begin the contact tracing necessary to contain such an outbreak, and to assess the dimensions of the outbreak. There are currently more than 20 cases associated with this outbreak, with some test results outstanding. 

Deschutes County Health Services and staff at Mt. Bachelor Memory Care are working closely with the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Department of Human Services (DHS). The facility has notified the families of all patients.

DHS is onsite at the facility to assist in implementing appropriate response protocols. OHA Health Care Associated Infection team is also providing comprehensive infection prevention consultations with the facility, DHS, and Health Services staff.

“We are very concerned by this outbreak and its effects on these highly vulnerable residents, their families, and the staff at this facility,” said Deschutes County Health Services Director Dr. George Conway. “We have been working closely with local long term care facilities to prevent further infections and to protect our communities’ most vulnerable individuals.”

Per State guidelines, assisted living facilities that report that they have a staff member or resident with COVID-19 are not permitted to accept new residents and have additional restrictions related to visitors.