NORMAN, Okla. (KFOR) – As state health officials warn Oklahomans to take precautions when it comes to COVID-19, experts say they are especially concerned about residents in Oklahoma nursing homes.
According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health, there have been 25 deaths, and 335 total positive cases of COVID-19 among nursing home residents and staff members in Oklahoma.
At Grace Living Center in Norman alone, there have been 10 deaths, as 66 residents and five staff members tested positive for the virus.
It’s something Wes Bledsoe, the founder of advocacy group ‘A Perfect Cause,’ says shows they aren’t doing enough to fight the virus.
“It’s tragic that we’ve had this number of people who’ve died in this one nursing home,” Bledsoe told KFOR. “We look at the number of people who’ve been infected, not just residents but staff as well, that is alarming.”
KFOR reached out to Grace Living Center to ask about the strategies they are using to slow the spread of COVID-19. The facility sent us this statement:
“Our hearts and prayers are with the families of those who have lost loved ones in this and other communities worldwide. We also want to again express appreciation to our families, the public and those in the media who have reached out to offer their concern and support. It means a great deal to our team who continue to serve with courage and conviction in the face of this global pandemic. We are grateful to each of them.
All available precautions as prescribed by the CDC, the Oklahoma State Department of Health and our medical professionals continue to be followed. From the outset, the facility has undertaken an aggressive protocol of screening, testing, isolation and treatment, implementing the known procedures available to respond to COVID 19. Every resident has now been tested, regardless of whether they demonstrated symptoms. Many residents returned negative results. In addition, and while we remain cautious; we can report that many of the residents who tested positive, are not currently demonstrating symptoms. Others, who were initially suffering from symptoms, are now showing signs of improvement. It is our hope that continued progress will be made. However, we are certainly still in the midst of a difficult time and welcome the continued prayers and support for this facility and others facing these challenges.”
Norman Skilled Nursing and Therapy
Bledsoe say he doesn’t believe Grace Living Center’s claim that it is following all CDC guidelines.
“I assure you that is not the truth. There are 38 CDC guidelines, among those 38 CDC guidelines it refers to PPE, personal protective equipment,” Bledsoe said. “Nursing homes do not have sufficient personal protective equipment. Period.”
KFOR also reached out to Care Providers Oklahoma. They declined our request for an interview, instead telling us to reach out to Grace Living Center directly.
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