Dallas County officials said March 29 they are shifting their safety guidelines for long-term care facilities as clusters of cases are appearing in area nursing homes.
Two Dallas senior communities are reporting a total of 8 cases.
The Edgemere retirement community in Dallas reported four positive COVID-19 cases: one employee and three residents. One of those residents included the woman who died.
Additionally, Skyline Nursing Center in Dallas logged four positive cases, with two tests pending, Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins said at a March 29 news conference.
He said these numbers are particularly concerning, given the higher mortality rate of COVID-19 for those over 60 years old.
“I want every family to really question: Could they take care of a person and maybe try to get them home?” Jenkins said.
Some of the new guidelines in senior communities call for workers to wear protective clothing; to not work at multiple homes; to immediately self-isolate if displaying COVID-19 symptoms, and to get a test as soon as possible, Jenkins said.
