At least 15 confirmed COVID-19 cases in a week at Pueblo assisted living facility

PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) -- On Monday, the Pueblo County Department of Health and Environment confirmed a COVID-19 outbreak at the Chateau at Sharmar Assisted Living facility.

According to Chateau's Community Relations Director, Lisa Sykes, 15 people tested positive for the virus on Wednesday. These confirmed cases include four employees and 11 residents.

Sykes told KRDO that no one associated with Chateau has tested positive for COVID-19 up to this point.

The community director says their staff is working diligently to 'nip this in the bud'. All 70 residents are currently living in isolation. The residents who tested positive are currently living in their own wing, and only in contact with personnel assigned solely to them.

The four employees who tested positive are currently recovering in isolation at their respective homes.

Sykes says that out of the 15 confirmed cases, none are hospitalized.

Back in May, Chateau Assisted Living received a citation from the Colorado Department of Health and Environment (CDPHE). A State Inspector found instances where staff weren't properly wearing masks or personal protective equipment, weren't enforcing social distancing amongst the residents, and allowed a non-essential individual (hair dresser) on the premises.

However, in August State Inspectors with the CDPHE found that Chateau Assisted Living was in compliance with all COVID-19 guidelines.

Sykes says it is unclear how the virus found its way into the facility.

Chateau Assisted Living declined to speak on camera, but issued a statement to KRDO:

'The Chateau at Sharmar Village has placed isolation practices at the fore front of our resident care practices since the start of the restrictions announced in March.   We closely coordinate with the state and county health departments to implement CDC and state guidelines to manage daily operations.   Despite our efforts, we did recently learn of positive results for some of our staff and residents.  The facility has implemented protocols directed by the local health department in accordance with CDC guidelines to stem the transmission of the infection as quickly as possible.  The positive result is currently none of our residents have required hospitalization for their COVID symptoms and many state that they do not feel ill.  We continue  to monitor staff daily and residents twice a day for any new onset of symptoms.  The organization has a sufficient supply of personal protective equipment and the local health department has been extremely engaged in ensuring we have the appropriate supply.  Our facility is currently limiting resident movement within facility.   We have and will continue to assist residents with video chats with their loved ones.Finally, Our Mission is to SERVE OTHERS and that is shown daily by our staff  who have excelled in this challenging time and demonstrate the dedication and commitment to our residents as they provide care and ensure the well-being of our residents at the Chateau.'

On the property there is also a nursing home, housing more than 50 people. Sykes says none of those residents have tested positive for COVID-19