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Washington County: 101 out of 146 positive cases of COVID-19 linked to one nursing home

The Brenham Nursing and Rehabilitation Center has 101 cases and 13 deaths, but local health authorities say it is isolated and contained now.

BRENHAM, Texas — UPDATE: April 30, 2020

Currently, according to Washington County's local health authority, Dr. William Loesch, there are 146 positive cases of COVID-19 in Washington County. Out of the 146 cases, 101 have come from the Brenham Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. There have been 15 deaths, with 13 of them being from BNRC.

In a video update published to Youtube, Loesch said the nursing home was making about 75 percent of the total number of cases in the county.

"The good news is it looks like it is contained," said Loesch. "It wasn't just the residents [of the nursing home] that got hit, but approximately 30 staff members as well got hit."

The infected staff members are under quarantine and are no longer going into the facility.

"We've tested everybody now in there, so we know who has it and who doesn't," said Loesch. "It seems to be isolated, so I think we're in a good place finally, with the facility."

Loesch also reminds county residents to continue practicing social distancing and to continue washing hands and practicing good hygiene.

UPDATE: April 19, 2020

Washington County Emergency Management has confirmed there are 62 positive cases of COVID-19 in the county. At least 42 percent of the cases have been linked to one facility, county officials said Saturday.

Four people have died of coronavirus in the county, but it is not yet known if those cases were also linked to the same facility. The Texas Department of State Health Services has been notified and is working with the facility, according to officials.

More than half of the county's active cases are recovering at home and six people are reported to have recovered from the virus.

We will continue to update you as more information becomes available.

RELATED: Texas nursing home deaths rise as families beg for information

UPDATE: April 13, 2020

A third death from COVID-19 was announced in Washington County Monday afternoon. A male, between 90-99 years old. The community is asked to keep this family, and all those fighting the COVID-19 battle in your thoughts and prayers.

UPDATE: April 10, 2020

Washington County officials announced Friday that the second COVID-19 positive patient has died. A female , 90-99 years old, had multiple underlying health conditions.

The community is being asked to keep this family, and all those fighting the COVID-19 battle in your thoughts and to continue following the CDC guidelines to help reduce the spread during this Easter weekend. 

UPDATE: April 3, 2020

Washington County officials announced Friday that the first COVID-19 positive patient has died. A male, 80-89 years old with multiple underlying medical conditions passed away early Friday morning.

"It's with a heavy heart that we have to announce that Washington County has lost one of our residents to COVID-19," said Judge John Durrenberger, Washington County Judge. “The numbers we report every day are not statistics. These are our fellow community members who are fighting a tough battle." 

The community is asked to continue following the CDC guidelines to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. If you have questions or concerns regarding COVID-19, please call the toll free COVID-19 Helpline at 800-845-8035.

UPDATE: April 1, 2020

There have been 16 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Washington County. At least 15 of the patients are self-quarantined at home and one patient has been hospitalized. 

“We want to encourage the community to keep these people in our thoughts and prayers, not just as a new numbered case, but as fellow community members,” says Kevin Deramus, Director of Washington County EMS.

UPDATE: March 28, 2020

Washington County Emergency Management has confirmed another case of coronavirus in Washington County. This brings the total number of cases in this county to six.

The patients are between the ages of 40 to 92 years old. At least two cases as of Friday are currently hospitalized and health officials believe all cases are likely from community transmissions.

UPDATE: March 27, 2020

Five cases of coronavirus have now been confirmed in Washington County.

At least one of those cases was confirmed in a patient at a local business in Brenham. The business has been closed at this time and the owner is looking into getting the store and shop sanitized and deep-cleaned for reopening in about 14 days.

UPDATE: March 26, 2020

Second positive case of the coronavirus in Washington County was confirmed Thursday.

Washington County's emergency management coordinator, Bryan Ruemke, told KAGS there is a second confirmed case. No additional details were released at this time.

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The first case of coronavirus has been confirmed in Washington County and the patient is a City of Brenham employee, according to the Washington County Health Authority.

According to health officials, they are taking all necessary steps and following all CDC guidelines. Family members of the patient have been notified and have been in self-quarantine in an effort to limit the possible spread.

The case is considered to be a community transmission because the patient does not have a history of travel in relation to the virus. Officials said the patient is expected to be sent home and won't be hospitalized at this time.

RELATED: UPDATE: 21 total positive cases in Brazos County, 2 hospitalized at this time

Details of the demographics of the patient are being withheld due to privacy reasons. Currently, the patient case is under investigation and health officials said they will release more information as it becomes available.

What people should do now:

Here's what you can do right now:

  • Continue to practice social distancing.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If you don't have soap and water at the ready, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Don't touch your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, throw the tissue away and wash your hands!
  • Clean and disinfect your areas or objects that are frequently touched like objects and surfaces.

DON'T DO THIS:

  • Wear a face mask if you are not sick. Face masks are only recommended if you are told to do it by a health care provider.
  • Buy "home" testing kits. These are people who are trying to take advantage of you and any anxiety you might have. Right now, testing can not be done in your home. There is no self-test for coronavirus.
  • Don't turn to random social media posts for information. The CDC or the Texas State Department of Health updates their guidelines and information. You can turn to KAGS for information. We have a special page set up for information.

RELATED: UPDATE: Several school districts have extended their closures

RELATED: Brenham ISD expanding meal site programs

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