12 cases of coronavirus at UF’s nursing care facility

GAINESVILLE, Fla. - Officials from the University of Florida-affiliated Oak Hammock retirement facility have confirmed to FOX 35 News that there are 12 positive coronavirus cases including six staff members and six residents.

“We will get through this tough, challenging time,” said Jeff Hagen, CEO and President, Oak Hammock retirement community. “All the effected were from a secured, contained unit, and I’m happy to report, all are in stable condition.”

All positive COVID-19 cases are isolated to the memory care unit within the Health Pavilion at Oak Hammock. Hagen said everyone in the unit has been tested and there are no other positive cases.

As FOX 35 News learned on Thursday, new cases in long-term living facilities are skyrocketing statewide.  State reports show just 73 total cases on April 1, 2020. The numbers have been on the rise since, with daily new cases now in the triple digits, up to nearly 1,400 in the matter of two weeks.

Hagen said Oak Hammock prepared for the inevitable.

“Oak Hammock employees have anticipated and prepared for the emergence of covid-19 on our campus, we were trained and ready to go,” said Hagen.

Health officials continue to monitor the facility for new cases.

“We are working closely with government officials to make sure all necessary steps are taken, including additional testing of additional residents in different areas of our campus,” said Hagen.

There is no explanation yet for this spike in cases, but it does serve as a reminder that coronavirus is still very much a threat.

RELATED: Tracking coronavirus: Over 22,800 cases in Florida as death toll rises

Residents, staff and family members of the patients who have tested positive have been notified.  For the safety and security of residents, the facility is not permitting visitors at this time.