Patients, staff test positive for coronavirus at Miami Jewish Health senior care facility
Miami Jewish Health confirmed this week that there were “employees and residents who have tested positive for COVID-19,” but did not specify the number of cases.
“Miami Jewish Health places the health and safety of our residents, patients, participants and employees as our highest priority,” the facility said in a statement. ”All families have been notified and immediate action has been taken place to protect our employees and residents.”
The senior care complex, 5200 NE Second Ave., offers residential, rehabilitation and day programs. According to Miami Jewish Health’s website, more than 1,200 physicians, nurses, caregivers and support staff serve over 10,000 clients a year.
In the statement, Miami Jewish Health said it had “planned and prepared” for coronavirus cases to pop up. Citing privacy, the facility did not release the names or any identifying information about those infected with the virus.
“We are following the strict protocols set by the Florida Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which include isolation and monitoring where applicable,” the facility said.
In addition, Miami Jewish Health said it has put several “precautionary measures” in place, including sanitizing and disinfecting the buildings, especially in common areas.
Several senior care and assisted living facilities have been hit hard by COVID-19. On Wednesday, The Court at Palm Aire in Pompano Beach confirmed that three residents died and six more had been hospitalized.
Last month, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Department of Health refused to fulfill a Miami Herald public records request asking for information on which nursing homes and ALFs have residents and staffs who have tested positive for COVID-19.
The Herald, along with several news media organizations and the First Amendment Foundation, will challenge the decision in court.
Miami Jewish Health has set up a hotline — available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday — for families to call for information. The number is 305-795-8400.
This story was originally published April 16, 2020 at 11:43 AM.
