Death Rate Climbs for Area Nursing Home Residents

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Area coronavirus mortality rates for people in nursing homes and assisted living centers are mirroring those across the country as 70 out of 108 deaths in Mahoning County are residents living in these facilities.

The numbers were confirmed by the Mahoning County Public Health Department Thursday morning based on statistics from May 6.

The death rate from COVID-19, the disease spread by coronavirus, preys on the elderly and people with underlying health conditions. Statistics released late Wednesday reveal an increase in Mahoning Valley residents dying. 

Of the 499 deaths in long-term care facilities statewide since April 15, 46 people died in Mahoning County and 10 deaths have occurred in senior care centers in each Trumbull and Columbiana counties, according to the Ohio Department of Health.

The department reports 1,684 new confirmed COVID-19 cases among residents in long-term care facilities and 3,151 cumulative cases since reporting began April 15. There are 670 cases among staff this week and 1,334 cumulative cases.

In Mahoning County, the cases among residents living in senior care centers continues to increase with 168 new cases this week and 330 cumulative cases. Three facilities have been added to the state’s database. Workers at these facilities testing positive for the virus is growing as well with 66 cases this week and 154 cumulative.

The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 aren’t as high in facilities in Columbiana and Trumbull counties. 

The state reports two new cases and 23 cumulative cases among residents in Columbiana and four cases this week for staff and seven cumulative cases. In Trumbull County, ODH reports one new case and 24 cumulative among residents and no staff this week and two cumulative for staff.

According to ODH, the numbers reflect current and cumulative cases of COVID-19 among facility staff and residents that are reported to the state. Cumulative case counts began on April 15. These totals do not include patients or staff who have recovered, hospitalized, or passed away prior to the dates listed. The state updates each Wednesday at 2 p.m., according its website. Statistics for May 6 were not posted until Wednesday evening.

In Mahoning County, the number of deaths is according to date reported and not the actual date of death. Date of COVID-19 death notification can sometimes be delayed. The daily increase does not indicate the number of individuals who have died in the last 24 hours.  Calculated percentages can vary day by day due to the small numbers involved. The number reported includes both confirmed and probable cases, according the local health officials.

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.