CLEVELAND — The coronavirus outbreak continues to ravage nursing homes and assisted living facilities across the the state according to the most recent report filed by the Ohio Department of Health.
Since April 15, 497 deaths have been reported in long term care facilities--making up 40.5% of the 1,125 total deaths reported since early March across Ohio.
Lucas County has the most in the state with 65 deaths at longterm care facilities, followed by Mahoning and Franklin Counties with 46 death each.
In Northeast Ohio, Cuyahoga tops the list with 43 deaths followed by both Summit and Stark counties with 33.
Meanwhile, the total number of cumulative cases where testing revealed positive results among residents and staff continued to swell.
4,385 patients and employees of longterm care facilities have tested positive for COVID-19 statewide.
In 10 counties in Northeast Ohio, 994 residents and staff have tested positive since April 15.
Here are the top three facilities with the most reported cases since April 15:
- O'Neil Health Care Nursing Home in Lorain County with 70 residents, 39 staff
- Westpark Neurology & Rehab in Cuyahoga County with 72 residents, 19 staff
- Ohman Family Living at Briar in Geauga County with 63 residents and 20 staff
The 5 On Your Side Investigators have created a searchable database of longterm care facilities with COVID-19 cases:
The Ohio Health Care Association that represents long term care facilities in Ohio says increased numbers are due to increased testing.
"The get the results back and it seems like a 30 to 40% rate of asymptomatic positives--where people were not showing any symptoms and no one knew they even had the virus--when they do the testing, they come back positive," said Peter Van Runkle, OHCA president.
Meanwhile, frustration is growing among family members with loved ones in facilities.
One woman, who did want her name used, complained that Main Street Care Center in Lorain county, where 11 residents and seven staff cases were reported, told her she "would have to call the facility to get information".
The facility said in a written statement that it has been very transparent with families and has gone above and beyond state guidelines.
Read the written statement by clicking here.
The association representing long term care facilities in Ohio insists it encourages all its members to keep families fully informed.
"The facility should be transparent and open and say, 'Hey we tested everyone and here's what happened,'" Van Runkle said.
