Multiple COVID-19 deaths reported at nursing and rehabilitation facility in Katy

Harris County health officials say an investigation is underway into a COVID-19 outbreak at a nursing and rehabilitation facility in Katy.

According to Harris County Public Health, there have been 15 deaths – six confirmed to be COVID-19 related and nine pending medical record review – at Sterling Oaks Rehabilitation-Katy.

HCPH’s initial investigation of the facility began on July 3 after two people tested positive for COVID-19 and were reported to HCPH. As the regulatory agency for healthcare facilities, Texas Health and Human Services is also working with the facility.

HCPH says they are actively monitoring 88 residents and staff members for COVID-19. One additional case is currently being monitored but is out of HCPH’s jurisdiction.

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HCPH issued public health control orders to the facility to ensure compliance with infection control and prevention, to track viral transmission of the virus causing COVID-19 and COVID-19 related deaths.  

Harris County Public Health is continuing to work with Texas Health and Human Services and other state entities in the investigation.

Sterling Oaks released the following statement to FOX 26: 

First and foremost, our staff is always saddened when a resident passes away regardless of the circumstances.  It is especially hard to lose residents during this pandemic that has affected millions of people and taken so many lives all over the country and especially in nursing facilities.  Our deepest sympathies go out to our residents’ families and loved ones during this time.

We are working day and night to prevent further spread of this extremely contagious virus.  From the time we received confirmation of our first positive case in July, we have remained in constant communication with state and local health officials and we have monitored and followed the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and continue to do so.  We have implemented increased infection control and preventions measures, we are screening each individual that comes into our facility for signs and symptoms of illness, we are only allowing essential personnel to enter the building, we are performing regular deep cleanings throughout the facility, and we are following the CDC’s recommendations regarding the use of personal protective equipment and employing isolation and distancing protocols when required.  

In total, 77 residents and 33 staff members have tested positive for COVID-19 in our facility and 69 residents and 30 staff members have fully recovered from the disease. 

We will continue to work closely with our with federal, state and local health officials to ensure we are taking the appropriate steps to protect our entire community and prevent further spread of COVID-19.