At least three of the four deaths related to COVID-19 complications in Crow Wing County have been linked to a long-term care facility in south Brainerd.
Good Samaritan Society-Bethany confirmed Wednesday, June 3, that 30 residents and 28 employees at its facility tested positive for COVID-19.
“We’re very sad to report that three residents have passed away following a positive diagnosis for COVID-19,” Good Samaritan Society-Bethany Campus Administrator Michelle Solwold said in a statement.
The Minnesota Department of Health on Wednesday reported two more county residents — both residents at Good Samaritan Society-Bethany — died due to complications from the infectious respiratory disease, but didn’t release further information.
“About all I can tell you is that we are showing Crow Wing County has 75 cases and 4 deaths as of today,” Minnesota Department of Health spokesperson Doug Schultz said Wednesday afternoon.
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According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, almost 26,000 nursing home residents have died from COVID-19, but those figures only account for about 80% of all facilities nationwide — ones that have reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
After a single COVID-19 case was detected on May 15 at the Sanford Health-owned facility, widespread testing led to more confirmed cases at Good Samaritan Society-Bethany.
“The Good Samaritan Society remains aggressive in its infection control measures and testing of residents and employees,” Solwold stated Wednesday.
Crow Wing County officials confirmed both of those infected whose deaths were reported by the state Health Department were men in their 80s.
“We are working closely with the Minnesota Department of Health and value its guidance during this pandemic,” Solwold’s statement read.
The Minnesota Department of Health on Wednesday reported 372 new cases and 14 deaths from COVID-19, raising the state total to 1,086. Ten of the 14 deaths occurred among residents of long-term care facilities like Good Samaritan Society-Bethany.
Dr. Peter Henry, chief medical officer at Essentia Health’s central market, had previously said Essentia’s medical director along with Good Samaritan staff worked on protocols to be able to treat residents and keep them in their facility when it is safe to do so.
Good Samaritan was ahead of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations by restricting visitors, wearing face masks/face shields to protect staff, stocking up on supplies and using personal protective equipment before that was even advised, according to Solwold.
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“Protecting the health and safety of our residents, employees and the community we serve remains our highest priority,” Solwold stated Wednesday.
Bethany has 84 residents with the capacity for a total of 106. The 13 residents that tested positive for COVID-19 last month at Bethany were isolated in a unit, converted months ago as a measure to be able to keep those who tested positive in one area.
Those who tested positive last month at Good Samaritan Society-Bethany were described as a mix of men and women ranging in age from 40s to 90s. Most residents and staff are reported to be asymptomatic.
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FRANK LEE, county and features reporter, may be reached at 218-855-5863 or at frank.lee@brainerddispatch.com . Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/DispatchFL .
