36 Test Positive For Coronavirus At Ocean City Nursing Home

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Nineteen residents and 17 staff at United Methodist Communities at the Shores — a nursing home in Ocean City — recently tested positive for the coronavirus. The cases have been confined to skilled nursing, and no assisted-living patients have tested positive, according to a spokesperson for the home.

The recent outbreak comes as coronavirus cases and deaths spike in Ocean City. The Cape May County Health Department reported three coronavirus deaths last weekend in Ocean City longterm-care facilities (LCFs): a 96-year-old woman and two men (ages 95 and 86). Before last weekend, officials only reported three coronavirus deaths in the city since the pandemic began.

The CMCHD reported 48 active community cases and 20 cases in LCFs as of Sunday afternoon. Officials have reported 166 residents cleared off quarantine.

Sometimes there are slight delays before confirmed cases reach county and state totals. But a spokesperson for United Methodist Communities — the parent organization for The Shores — gave Patch updated information Monday afternoon.

"We take seriously our responsibility to protect those in our care and have been in contact with the families of those impacted," said Jan Carrato. "We have suspended all visitation until further notice, are providing the affected residents with the highest quality care and are praying for everyone’s speedy recovery."

The nursing home conducts regular coronavirus tests, Carrato says. Ocean City went several months without a confirmed coronavirus case in any longterm-care facility. But The Shores first became aware of potential coronavirus exposure Nov. 9.

Since the onset of the pandemic, The Shores took several safety measures, such as enhanced cleaning, full use of personal protective equipment and cohorting residents and associate groups. For instance, skilled nursing associates only work in skilled nursing.

U.S. News and World Report recently included The Shores in their Best Nursing Homes and Short-Stay Rehabilitation 2020-21 lists. This year, U.S. News included coronavirus safety measures in their criteria for the lists, which include more than 15,000 nursing homes.

Patients' health within nursing homes and LCFs has been a major concern during the coronavirus pandemic. Out of Cape May County's 99 coronavirus deaths, 64 were linked to LCFs.

The New Jersey Department of Health has reported 6,886 coronavirus deaths among LCF patients and 122 fatalities among staff. State officials have confirmed 14,779 coronavirus deaths overall.

The state's recent spike in coronavirus cases gives LCFs additional challenges in navigating the pandemic.

"The Shores administration has maintained clear lines of communication with residents, residents’ family members and associates," Carrato said.

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