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Five patients at a Bowie rehab facility test positive for COVID-19

A spokesperson for the Larkin Chase rehab center says they're taking precautions to limit the spread.

BOWIE, Md. — Five patients at the Larkin Chase Care and Rehabilitation Center have tested positive for COVID-19.

A spokesperson told WUSA9 the facility has been taking extra precautions against the virus since March, including enhanced employee and patient screening. The facility has also restricted patients to their rooms and employees have been conducting temperature and symptom screenings three times a day.

Visitors to the facility have been restricted to video conference visits.

"At this time, our primary concern is the safety and well-being of our patients, residents and staff," spokesperson Lori Mayer said in an email. "Our thoughts are with those who have been impacted by COVID-19." 

According to Maryland records, Larkin Chase has 66 beds. The average age of its residents is 76. 

Fran Phillips, Maryland Deputy Secretary of Public Health, said Friday that 60 nursing homes in the state have reported one or more coronavirus cases. She added 12 of those facilities have had anywhere from 7 to 10 residents come down with the disease. 

"We're seeing community transmission across the state, and as a result, we are seeing this virus has entered nursing homes," Phillips said.

Mayer said Larkin Chase is in contact with patients, residents and families, and has begun daily video conference calls. 

All employees are wearing masks and increased surface cleaning and quarantining of certain employees is underway to minimize the spread of the virus inside the facility.

"The Health Department is following the state’s guidelines for long-term care facilities with COVID-19 cases, and is ensuring those guidelines are communicated to the facilities," Dr. Ernest Carter, Prince George's County's Health Officer, said in a statement. "The Health Department is also providing facilities with personal protective equipment and testing support as requested and available." 

RELATED: Coronavirus cases reported at 10 Montgomery County nursing homes, including 1 death

RELATED: 6 coronavirus cases, 1 death at Frederick Health and Rehabilitation Center

RELATED: Gov. Hogan worries coronavirus could hit 'thousands' of facilities across Maryland

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