7 Elderly Patients Die After COVID-19 Infection from Employee Who Attended Wedding at US Nursing Home

Seven elderly patients hospitalized in a nursing home in Washington State, USA, died due to a cluster infection of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Nahana] A cluster infection of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) occurred at a nursing home in Washington State, USA, resulting in the deaths of seven elderly patients who were hospitalized.

According to foreign media on the 5th (local time), the Grant County Health Department in Washington State reported that cluster COVID-19 infections occurred at three nursing homes in the area, and among them, seven elderly people aged 70 to 90 with underlying conditions died at the nursing homes.

Some employees working at the nursing home attended a wedding with about 300 people on the 7th of last month, violating the health authorities' quarantine guidelines and orders.

These employees tested positive for COVID-19 about a week later, on the 16th of last month.

A total of 17 COVID-19 cases were confirmed at the wedding. Health authorities believe that secondary infections occurred from this wedding to local schools and nursing facilities, and they are investigating the epidemiological relationship between the nursing home staff and the deceased elderly.

The number of infections related to this wedding is currently identified as 40.

Meanwhile, the day the wedding was held was during the period when health authorities had issued an administrative order banning gatherings of more than 30 people, including weddings and other meetings.

The health authorities emphasized, "Your choice to meet with people other than your family can put elderly and chronically ill members of our society who are vulnerable to COVID-19 at risk," and appealed, "Please stay home and protect your loved ones."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.