Nurse Among 8 Dead In Ocean City Nursing Home COVID Outbreak

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Seven residents and one nurse at United Methodist Communities at The Shores have died of coronavirus following a mid-November outbreak at the nursing home.

The home's 22 active cases, as of Thursday morning, included 13 residents and nine staff. The cases are split among skilled nursing and assisted living, according to a spokesperson for the home.

The total cases at the nursing home have decreased since the mid-November outbreak when 36 residents and staff tested positive for the coronavirus.

UMC President Lawrence D. Carlson identified the deceased nurse in a Nov. 23 letter as Bonnie Ciafre.

“She was a wife, mother, caregiver, friend, and colleague," Carlson said. "She was their nurse, selflessly coming to work, caring for the most vulnerable."

Since the onset of the pandemic, The Shores took several safety measures, such as enhanced cleaning, full use of personal protective equipment and cohorting residents and associate groups. For instance, skilled nursing associates only work in skilled nursing.

Spokesperson Jan Carrato said assisted living residents who tested positive for coronavirus are isolated in their apartments where care is delivered. HCU and skilled nursing residents are placed in rooms specifically designed and equipped for coronavirus care, including remote sensor and in-person monitoring and negative air pressure machines.

Residents are not transferred unless they require hospitalization for complications.

The Cape May County Health Department reported 508 active community cases and 30 cases in longterm-care facilities as of Thursday afternoon. Officials have reported 2,738 residents cleared off quarantine.

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