Coronavirus: 27 Positive Cases At Tucson Nursing Facility

TUCSON, AZ — A nursing and rehabilitation facility in Tucson has reported dozens of cases of the new coronavirus. Sapphire of Tucson Nursing and Rehab has recorded 24 cases of coronavirus among patients and three among staff, a statement from the facility says.

Sapphire notified the Pima County health department as soon as they noticed a patient showing symptoms, the statement says.

The facility says they're in contact with state, county and Tucson health officials and experts "ensuring we are taking every possible step to provide the appropriate care to all our residents."

The source of the infection is unknown, the statement says, but investigators are working to determine it.

Sapphire said county health officials commended them for how they're handling infection control and their response to the situation.

Sapphire has restricted visits to the facility for nearly two weeks.

See the full statement below:

Sapphire of Tucson has confirmed that COVID-19 is present in 24 residents of our community. Three employees have also tested positive for the virus.

As soon as the first patient showed symptoms, we were immediately in touch with the Pima County Department of Health. Pima County officials were onsite quickly and commended Sapphire for our response and for our high standards for infection control.

We continue to collaborate closely with Arizona Department of Health Services and county health officials. We are also in contact multiple times a day with additional health experts in Tucson, ensuring we are taking every possible step to provide the appropriate care to all our residents.

The source of the infection is unclear and remains under investigation.

Infection control, patient safety and patient care are our highest priorities. For nearly two weeks, visits to our community have been restricted in compliance with state and federal guidelines. We continue to follow infection control guidance provided by CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) and AHCA/NCAL (American Health Care Association/National Association for Assisted Living).

Members of our staff are also complying with guidelines for infection prevention and control. We have instructed any staff member who believes they may have been exposed to the virus, or are developing symptoms of respiratory infection, to leave work and self-isolate at home.

We thank the community for their support during this difficult time and ask for their support of health care workers throughout greater Tucson and the nation. They are heroes.

We respectfully request that further inquiries be directed to the Pima County Health Department or the Arizona Department of Health Services.

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