Bellingham nursing home reports sixth resident dies after positive coronavirus test
Shuksan Healthcare Center reported that another resident at the Bellingham nursing home who previously tested positive for COVID-19 died Thursday, April 2.
The resident, who was in their 90s, was the sixth resident at the facility to die after testing positive for the new coronavirus.
“Please keep our residents, their families and our staff in your thoughts,” the facility said in a release Friday, April 3.
In addition to the six residents who have died at the facility, a seventh person released from Shuksan on March 10 died at home on March 20. One day later, results revealed that he had tested positive for COVID-19.
On March 22, the Whatcom County Health Department announced the outbreak at Shuksan, 1530 James St.
Overall, the nursing home has reported 54 positive tests — 31 residents and 23 employees. Shuksan previously reported that it remains fully staffed.
Earlier Friday, the Whatcom County Health Department reported nine deaths and 182 confirmed cases in Whatcom County. It’s unclear if the death is included in the county numbers.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWhat you should know about the coronavirus
COVID-19, the new coronavirus, is a disease caused by a virus named SARS-CoV-2.
The disease is spread through contact between people within six feet of each other, especially through coughing and sneezing that expels respiratory droplets that land in the mouths or noses of people nearby.
Although most of the cases have been mild, the disease is especially dangerous for the elderly and others with weaker immune systems.
Click the drop-down icon in the upper right of this card for more information on symptoms and how to stop its spread.
What you can do
Here’s what you can do to protect yourself and others from COVID-19, according to the Whatcom County Health Department.
▪ Keep six feet between yourself and others when in public.
▪ Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
▪ Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth with hands that haven’t been washed.
▪ Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, throw the tissue in the trash and then wash your hands.
▪ Stay home if you feel sick. Avoid others who are sick.
▪ If your symptoms are severe and require medical care, call your doctor first.
This story was originally published April 3, 2020 at 1:42 PM.
