COVID-19 outbreak at Orinda senior facility, officials urge citizens to wear masks

  ORINDA - Contra Costa County Health Services said today that 27 people who live or work at a skilled nursing facility in Orinda have tested positive for COVID-19.
     No deaths have been reported in connection with the outbreak at the Orinda Care Center which has 45 residents.

Orinda Care Facilty (Photo by Erik K/Yelp)

    " Public health has prepared for the possibility of outbreaks happening in skilled nursing facilities and other congregate care settings," Contra Costa Public Health Director Dan Peddycord said. "We are working closely with the facilities now to protect residents and staff."
     CCHS began investigating after two staff members sought medical care. Test results were positive for the workers and for two patients at the facility Wednesday.
     By Thursday all patients and staff had been tested with 24 residents testing positive so far. Two are receiving care at local hospitals.
     The county is also testing two other senior care facilities in the county.
     "The situation is very serious and we are deeply concerned about residents of our senior care facilities," Dr. Chris Farnitano, county health officer said. "That is why we need everyone to follow the stay-at-home order, social-distance guidance and other measures in recent health orders."
     Health officials also issued a "strong recommendation" that residents wear masks or other protective face covering when going to the grocery store or when engaged in other essential activities.
     There have been five confirmed deaths and more than 300 confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection in Contra Costa County, health officials reported.