A federal investigation found that the Washington state skilled nursing facility where the first U.S. coronavirus outbreak occurred acted slowly in response to warning signs.
Life Care Center of Kirkland was the epicenter of initial U.S. COVID-19 outbreaks, garnering widespread criticism and finger-pointing that became somewhat less harsh as hundreds of other locations around the country also discovered victims in their midst. At least 37 deaths were attributed to COVID-19 at LCC Kirkland as of late March. More than 80 of its residents, 34 staff members and 14 visitors had tested positive for COVID-19 as of press time.
The investigation concluded that the facility didn’t act quickly enough to identify and manage ill residents or notify the state’s health department about the increasing rate of respiratory infections among residents. It also didn’t have a “sufficient backup plan” after its primary doctor became ill.
“We have learned valuable lessons,” said Washington Department of Social & Health Services Secretary Cheryl Strange about the Kirkland situation. “We are applying these lessons daily in our efforts to prepare long-term care facilities throughout the state for the potential of COVID-19.”
A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report also noted that staff members working in multiple facilities contributed to the spread of the coronavirus.
