Coronavirus Outbreak Likely to Spread in Wisconsin Nursing Homes

According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, a Grafton nursing home is at the center of the coronavirus outbreak. About 13 staff and residents at Village Pointe Commons have tested positive for COVID-19 and one death has occurred.

These cases have already been traced to a caregiver at the facility. Other Wisconsin nursing homes could be putting their workers and residents at risk and not even know it.

Evidence of Transmission of Virus

The Washington Ozaukee Public Health Department has identified evidence to suggest that COVID-19 is being spread by overworked and understaffed caregivers. Due to this development, three long-term care facilities are being closely monitored by health officials in Ozaukee County and Washington County. Extensive contact tracing and testing to identify those who are COVID-19 positive is being implemented.

The department urges that nursing homes take immediate measures to test for coronavirus. The risk of spreading the virus is extremely high. The Washington Ozaukee Public Health Department has also been working with Aurora Medical Center in Grafton to expedite testing residents and workers in long-term care facilities. This includes those in prisons or jails with acute respiratory issues or unexplained fevers.

Those who tested positive at Village Pointe Commons have several coronavirus symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. Since the outbreak, the facility has added extra personnel, continued to follow state and federal safety and health regulations and is closely monitoring their residents and workers.

Measures Taken to Combat COVID-19

On Saturday, March 28th, certain measures were implemented by the Washington Ozaukee Public Health Department to help stop the spread of the virus on a statewide level.

These measures include that all EMS and first responders need to wear personal protective equipment or PPE when responding to a medical call at a nursing home or another long-term care facility. Staffing agencies should also be limiting the services they provided to one facility to limit an outbreak.

To date, there are a total of 25 confirmed coronavirus cases in Washington County and another 22 reported cases in Ozaukee County.

We Are Here to Help Remotely

If you suspect that a nursing home is not properly protecting your loved one’s health and safety, we recommend contacting a Wisconsin nursing home abuse lawyer at PKSD for legal help. Our attorneys are well-versed in these cases and are ready to help you with your situation remotely.

Our consultations are free and there is no risk or obligations involved. We only get paid if you do.

We are prepared to help you online and over the phone at 877-877-2228.