Government health officials have confirmed that an 81-year-old woman, while living at The Bristal at North Hills and receiving private hospice care for an unrelated illness, tested positive for COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus. The Bristal at North Hills is an assisted living center for the elderly, the most vulnerable group when exposed to the virus.
“As part of our expanding health care protocol, we have been checking each resident and every Bristal staffer for any potential signs of the virus,” The Bristal’s Principal Steven Krieger said. “When we detected a cough and fever in this individual, she was properly transported to a hospital for further care and observation. She currently remains hospitalized while she is under close observation.”
Before even getting the diagnosis back, The Bristal at North Hills began to clean their facility, including public spaces. Health officials have identified and contacted those that may have come in contact with the woman during her hospice care to determine whether or not they have been infected.
Prior to the individual being suspected of infection, The Bristal had a recommendation in place of no visitation by friends or families during the coronavirus outbreak. However, they did allow visitors that were not recently outside of the country and exhibited no symptoms, such as a cough or fever.
“We will continue our aggressive response to COVID-19,” Krieger said.
Krieger spoke on March 12 at Nassau County Executive Laura Curran’s press briefing regarding the coronoavirus outbreak in the county.
“I want to assure the public that in Nassau County we’re doing everything to contain this as best as we can,” Curran said. “We will get through this, but we need your help. Containing community spread is the best thing we can do to protect ourselves and our community. If you’re a little bit older in years, if you’re not healthy, you need to stay home.”
As of publication, there is no update on the 81-year woman’s health status.
