COVID-19 outbreak reported at Thorp nursing home facility

THORP, Wis. (WEAU) - The Oakbrook Health and Rehabilitation facility in Thorp says despite taking preventative measures and following COVID-19 safety guidelines, they have lost residents to the virus.

In a letter posted on the facility’s website Friday, the facility reported a total of 45 cases of COVID-19 from residents and staff.

The letter says 25 residents, 18 staff and two contracted service providers have tested positive for the virus.

The facility is also reporting seven deaths.

In a statement sent to WEAU, Oakbrook Health and Rehabilitation said, “Our hearts are heavy and go out to family members, friends and our community who have suffered losses.”

It continues to say, “In our continuing fight against the virus, we ask all Clark County residents to wear facemasks, practice social distancing and adhere to excellent hand hygiene habits at this time.”

As of Friday, eight residents are being cared for in the facility’s isolation care unit, and 10 have recovered. 10 of the 18 staff members have also recovered and are back at work.

The facility is also not allowing visitors into the community.

Oakbrook Health says it is required to conduct testing twice a week and they continue to use rapid tests on any new symptomatic residents.

The facility says it will continue to work closely with the Clark County Public Health Department, the facility’s medical director and the Wisconsin State Department of Health on outbreak management and appropriate clinical treatment for COVID positive residents.