Pacific Grove nursing home denies COVID-19 death that state reports

PACIFIC GROVE, Calif. (KION)

UPDATE 5/23/2020 2:06 p.m. There have been no COVID-19 related deaths at the Forest Hill Manor Health Center in Pacific Grove. The California Department of Public Health issued the correction Saturday and is the process of updating their website to correct the mistake.

UPDATE 5/22/2020 5:15 p.m. The California Department of Public Health reported that a Pacific Grove nursing home had at least one COVID-19-related death, but the facility denies having any positive cases.

Forest Hill Manor Health Center said it was informed today that CDPH listed it as having a death.

The facility said it reports to CDPH when a resident or employee shows symptoms that may be related to COVID-19, even if they may be related to other health conditions. The facility said it has reported accurate information to the state agency.

To prevent the spread of COVID-19, Forest Hill said it has increased the frequency of cleaning, banned social events, barred visitors, cancelled non-essential appointments and reminded everyone to wash hands, wear masks and avoid gathering often.

The CDPH report said Forest Hill had zero confirmed cases of COVID-19, but the latest update showed that they had at least one death. The state does not release the number of coronavirus deaths in a SNF unless there are more than 11.

Windsor The Ridge Rehabilitation Center in Salinas reported at least one death in its facility earlier this week.

PREVIOUS STORY: The California Department of Public Health has reported that a Pacific Grove nursing home has had at least one death related to COVID-19.

Forest Hill Manor Health Center have zero confirmed cases of COVID-19, but the latest update from the state shows they have at least one death. The state does not release the number of coronavirus deaths in a SNF unless there are more than 11.

Windsor The Ridge Rehabilitation Center in Salinas reported at least one death in its facility earlier this week.

Tonight at 5 and 6 p.m. on KION, Drew Andre will have more on what Monterey County is doing to prevent COVID-19 in nursing facilities.