CHANDLER, Ariz. – Another person has died at a Chandler nursing center due to COVID-19, according to officials.
In a statement released by officials with Desert Cove Nursing Center, which is located near Frye and Dobson Roads in Chandler, there have been five deaths at the facility since the first case of COVID-19 was discovered there on April 24. The total number of people who tested positive stands at 54
According to a FOX 10 news report on the facility on May 1, there were a total of 40 residents who tested positive as of that day, with four deaths.
19 associates have tested positive, an increase of six since FOX 10’s first report on the facility on May 1.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of the residents who have passed away as the result of COVID-19,” read a portion of the statement released Friday. “Our facility is a family, and we’re all working together to take care of our residents and each other.”
There have been other reports of residents in Chandler long-term care facilities contracting and dying from COVID-19. On April 21, FOX 10 reported on Pennington Gardens, where officials confirm in late April that 13 residents have died from the disease.
Health officials say those at long-term care facilities are at the highest risk of dying or experiencing the most severe symptoms.
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COVID-19 symptoms
Symptoms for coronavirus COVID-19 include fever, coughing, and shortness of breath. These, of course, are similar to the common cold and flu.
Expect a common cold to start out with a sore or scratchy throat, cough, runny and/or stuffy nose. Flu symptoms are more intense and usually come on suddenly, and can include a high fever.
Symptoms of COVID-19 may appear more slowly. They usually include fever, a dry cough and noticeable shortness of breath, according to the World Health Organization. A minority of cases develop pneumonia, and the disease is especially worrisome for the elderly and those with other medical problems such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes or heart conditions.
RELATED: Is it the flu, a cold or COVID-19? Different viruses present similar symptoms
Right now there’s one big difference between flu and coronavirus: A vaccine exists to help prevent the flu and it’s not too late to get it. It won’t protect you from catching the coronavirus, but may put you in a better position to fight it.
To protect yourself, wash your hands well and often, keep them away from your face, and avoid crowds and standing close to people.
And if you do find yourself showing any of these flu or coronavirus symptoms – don’t go straight to your doctor’s office. That just risks making more people sick, officials urge. Call ahead, and ask if you need to be seen and where.
Why social distancing can save lives amid COVID-19 pandemic
Social distancing is not only about preventing the illness itself, but rather, slowing the rate at which people get sick.
In order to protect yourself from a possible infection, the CDC recommends:
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
Additional resources
Coronavirus (COVID-19) – How it spreads, symptoms, prevention, treatment, FAQ
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus
https://espanol.cdc.gov/enes/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html (In Spanish/En Español)
Arizona COVID-19 Response – Public resources, FAQ, webinars
https://www.azdhs.gov/coronavirus
https://www.azdhs.gov/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/infectious-disease-epidemiology/es/covid-19/index.php#novel-coronavirus-home (In Spanish/En Español)
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