Winterberry Heights Assisted Living Facility in Bangor is reporting 7 deaths of people diagnosed with COVID-19.

Congregate living facilities have been hardest hit by the virus, as it spreads quickly among a population who is most at risk of severe complications. Winterberry Heights is the latest to deal with an outbreak. According to WABI-TV, administrators say seven residents have died, after being diagnosed with the virus. They go on to say that, of those 7, 5 were already in hospice care for end-of-life treatment when they tested positive for COVID-19.

The staff and residents are undergoing regular testing and administrators are working with the Maine CDC to ensure the safety of all. State health officials first began investigating the outbreak at the Ohio Street facility just over a week ago.

Another long-term care facility dealing with an outbreak is the Island Nursing Home in Deer Isle. As of Thursday, officials told TV-5 that 35 residents and 17 staff members had tested positive for the virus. So far, 4 people diagnosed with the virus have died. Administrators said the virus was brought into the facility by a staff member, who passed the protocols and had no symptoms. The Maine CDC is working with staff members to limit any further spread of the virus.

COVID-19 can spread very quickly in congregate living facilities, like nursing homes. It's especially dangerous for Maine's elderly population, and anyone with underlying conditions like heart conditions, diabetes, COPD, or obesity, among others. The majority of people diagnosed with the virus who have died have been over the age of 70.

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