Nursing center in Chandler reports 53 positive COVID-19 cases, 4 deaths

CHANDLER, Ariz. - Officials with a nursing center in Chandler say dozens of residents have tested positive for COVID-19.

According to a statement released by Desert Cove Nursing Center on Friday, the discovered their first case of the coronavirus on April 24, and since then, a total of 40 residents and 13 associates have tested positive.

Of the residents who tested positive, four of them have died, seven of them are receiving care in local hospitals, and 29 of them are isolated in the facility and receiving care from a team.

Desert Cove Nursing Center is located near the northeast corner of Frye and Dobson Roads.

There have been other reports of residents in Chandler long-term care facilities contracting and dying from COVID-19. On April 21, FOX 10 reported on Pennington Gardens in Chandler. Officials there confirm that 13 residents have died from the disease.

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COVID-19 symptoms

Why social distancing can save lives amid COVID-19 pandemic

Social distancing is not only about preventing the illness itself, but rather, slowing the rate at which people get sick. 

Symptoms for coronavirus COVID-19 include fever, coughing, and shortness of breath. These, of course, are similar to the common cold and flu.

Expect a common cold to start out with a sore or scratchy throat, cough, runny and/or stuffy nose. Flu symptoms are more intense and usually come on suddenly, and can include a high fever.

Symptoms of COVID-19 may appear more slowly. They usually include fever, a dry cough and noticeable shortness of breath, according to the World Health Organization. A minority of cases develop pneumonia, and the disease is especially worrisome for the elderly and those with other medical problems such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes or heart conditions.

Right now there's one big difference between flu and coronavirus: A vaccine exists to help prevent the flu and it's not too late to get it. It won't protect you from catching the coronavirus, but may put you in a better position to fight it.

To protect yourself, wash your hands well and often, keep them away from your face, and avoid crowds and standing close to people.

And if you do find yourself showing any of these flu or coronavirus symptoms - don't go straight to your doctor's office. That just risks making more people sick, officials urge. Call ahead, and ask if you need to be seen and where.

In order to protect yourself from a possible infection, the CDC recommends:

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Stay home when you are sick.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.