Three dead, dozens test positive for COVID-19 at Seminole nursing home

SEMINOLE, Fla. - Three residents have died from complications due to COVID-19 at a nursing facility in Pinellas County. 

Those who died were residents of Freedom Square’s Seminole Pavilion Rehabilitation and Nursing Facility. A 74-year-old male resident died April 11. An 84-year-old woman and 66-year-old man died April 17, according to a representative from Freedom Square.

RELATED: Pinellas County nursing facility reports dozens of COVID-19 cases

Barbara Namias' 88-year-old mother is in a separate building from where three have died, at a nursing home in Seminole, but their family says she is scared and they are worried about her safety.

Earlier this week, employees began transferring residents to hospitals after 36 tested positive for COVID-19. Another 53 residents had negative test results.

Friday, Freedom Square decided to remove all patients from the facility and place them in hospitals and other facilities, depending on their health status. A total of 95 patients were removed from Seminole Pavilion.

MORE: Coronavirus cases on the rise in Polk nursing homes

Freedom Square said the decision to remove patients from the facility was made on the advice of the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County, Pinellas County Emergency Medical Services, HCA Healthcare, Bayfront Health St. Petersburg and BayCare Health System.

In a statement, Freedom Square said “We extend our sincere condolences to the families and patients of these patients and our thoughts and prayers are with them at this difficult time… After all Seminole Pavilion residents have been transferred, Freedom Square will continue and expand our infection control protocols and procedures within Seminole Pavilion, in partnership with federal, state and local agencies to eliminate the possibility of further spread of the virus.”

If you feel sick:

The Florida Department of Health has opened a COVID-19 Call Center at 1-866-779-6121. Agents will answer questions around the clock. Questions may also be emailed to covid-19@flhealth.gov. Email responses will be sent during call center hours.

LINK: Florida's COVID-19 website

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