A patient discharged from a Coachella Valley skilled nursing facility is among the individuals most recently diagnosed with the novel coronavirus, and efforts are underway to ensure all the patients and nurses at the facility are tested for possible exposure, Riverside County Public Health Officer Dr. Cameron Kaiser said Friday.
“Quick action is required when we are dealing with a vulnerable population like this,” Kaiser said. “By testing immediately, we can learn whether the illness has spread to others and take appropriate action.”
The patient, whose name was not disclosed, spent an unspecified number of days receiving care at the 99-bed Rancho Mirage Health & Rehabilitation Center, whose clients include many seniors, and was verified as infected with COVID-19 after leaving the facilities, according to the health department.
Officials said that the patient is hospitalized, but the exact medical center was not identified.
According to Kaiser, the health department intends to administer COVID-19 screenings for each patient and staff member at the facility in the coming days.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with this patient and the family,” said Staci Trang, a risk management assessor at the rehabilitation center. “We wish the patient a full recovery. Our top priority is the health, well-being and safety of our patients and employees. As such, we are following all Centers for Disease Control precautions and recommendations.”
The number of COVID-19 infections within the county is 10 — all in the Coachella Valley — and the rehabilitation center patient was one of two new cases announced Friday.
Kaiser, under the authority of the county Board of Supervisors, which ratified a public health emergency declaration Tuesday, has issued multiple orders that he says are intended to mitigate potential spread of the virus.
Kaiser implemented a mandate Friday afternoon closing all schools — kindergarten through 12th grade to university-level — countywide until April 3.