The Alameda County Public Health Department reported two more deaths from the coronavirus at the Gateway Care and Rehabilitation Center in Hayward. This brings the total number of deaths to 13, with 41 residents and more than two dozen staff have tested positive for the disease.
Meanwhile, the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office is now investigating that nursing home, and the families who have lost loved ones are speaking out about what they see as a lack of transparency.
Union City Councilman Jamie Patiño tried to check on his 84 year old grandmother after he learned of an outbreak at the facility.
“Why did we need to wait until there were 53 cases and 6 dead at the time?” said Patiño, “My grandma was number 10, why did it take them that long to alert the public?”
His grandmother, Emma Patiño, was moved to hospital on Friday and passed away Monday.
“By the time they finally moved her on Friday she had so many other health issues that they never even told us about,” said Patiño.
The Gateway Center has still not responded to repeated requests for comment. On Monday, attorney John Burriss said he filed a complaint with the state on behalf of castelle acre, who also passed away after contracting the virus.
Burriss says other families have since been in touch with him and he intends to file a case with the District Attorney. Licensed Health Facilities, including nursing homes in Alameda County, have been ordered to take new measures including screening for temperatures and requiring staff to wear masks.