Edgemere, a senior-living facility on Thackery Street, announced that four people there tested positive for coronavirus, according to the Dallas Morning News. Two residents died as a result, including one March 30. The others include a resident, who was hospitalized, and a staff member, who is isolating at home. Edgemere confirmed its cases to residents in a letter Saturday, March 28. Lifespace Communities, the owner of Edgemere, said the facility is working with Dallas County Health and Human Services, Texas Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins said people should consider taking their loved ones out of nursing homes if they can. He also announced new restrictions on long-term care facilities, including:
- Staff members, residents and family members must be notified immediately of a confirmed coronavirus diagnosis.
- The confirmed cases must be reported to Dallas County Health and Human Services.
- The facility cannot accept new admissions.
But if you want to bring a relative home, you can only do that after:
- The patient has been tested as negative for the coronavirus.
- The people in the household to which the resident is transferred must isolate at home.
“I was saddened to learn this and support the stricter policies at the senior centers that County Judge Clay Jenkins released this evening,” City Council member Jennifer Staubach Gates said in a letter to neighbors. “These new regulations will help keep our most vulnerable safe and save lives.” You can find a complete list of the new regulations for long-term care facilities here.
