PORTLAND, Maine — Ashton Gardens Gracious Retirement Living community said four people tested positive for COVID-19, the coronavirus.
The community said the last positive test result was on April 2nd, but Jim Bean, whose sister-in-law lives there, said neither she nor their family were ever notified.
"We're very concerned. The flow of information from management is lacking," said Bean.
Bean said he found out from a press release issued last week.
"It's difficult enough someone who is elderly. They've had no contact with the outside world," said Bean.
According to the press release Ashton Gardens sent out, residents and family were notified. The facility also said they are testing people and staff who are symptomatic, and disinfecting certain places.
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"We don't feel like we've gotten the full picture," said Bean
Bean said his sister-in-law was asked to stay in her apartment until further notice. Ashton Gardens' press release confirms all residents are being asked to shelter in place.
The Maine Center for Disease Control said the people who tested positive are in separate residential units, not in a congregate setting.
Ashton Gardens said they are following all recommended protocols to protect those living there.
On Wednesday, Ashton Gardens provided NEWS CENTER Maine with the following statement:
"Our top priority at Ashton Gardens Gracious Retirement Living is ensuring the health and safety of all those who live and work in our community. As a residential retirement community that does not provide assisted living services nor employ health care professionals, we continue to provide ongoing, transparent communications to our residents, who can invite their family members to sign up to receive updates directly from our community. To support our residents in keeping their families up-to-date on the status of our community, we’ve provided a service they can refer loved ones to that sends community-specific e-mail notifications.
Our last positive test result for a resident was on April 2, and we will continue to regularly provide updates as they occur, via our website and via email for family members who have opted to receive notifications. Additionally, all residents receive hand-delivered written notification surrounding any update to our existing protocols or on the status of COVID-19 within our community.
We are in close contact with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (Maine DHHS) and our community will continue to follow all direction given by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Maine DHHS and local officials to ensure we are following recommended protocols to protect all those who live and work in our community."
At NEWS CENTER Maine, we're focusing our news coverage on the facts and not the fear around the illness. To see our full coverage, visit our coronavirus section, here: /coronavirus
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