ISHPEMING — An Ishpeming nursing home is reporting that five of its residents have died related to a COVID-19 outbreak at the facility.

In response to a Mining Journal inquiry, officials at the Mission Point Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Ishpeming said in a statement on Tuesday that 43 out of the 48 residents at the facility have tested positive for the virus.

“Our hearts and our sympathy go out the family members who have lost loved ones while in our care during this unprecedented time,” Mission Point Administrator Andrea Olsen said in the statement. “The effects of the pandemic on our residents, their families and our staff have been truly heartbreaking for all involved.”

Three residents are hospitalized, two have recovered and four have tested negative, according to the statement.

A total of 24 staff members have tested positive, ten of whom have recovered and returned to work.

The initial resident, who was asymptomatic and never developed symptoms, tested positive Nov. 2.

“Since the onset of the COVID-19 crisis, we have been closely monitoring and implementing the recommendations and requirements outlined by our local, state and federal health departments including the CDC,” Olsen said. “We have taken all recommended measures to ensure the safety and protection of our residents, staff and community.”

She said if a resident tests positive, they are immediately transferred and cared for in an isolated COVID-19 unit.

“This unit is separated from the rest of the community and has its own dedicated staff,” Olsen said.

She said if the patient requires a higher level of care, they are transferred to the hospital.

In addition, the facility continues to follow screening procedures including daily temperature checks and symptom questionnaires along with weekly COVID-19 tests for all staff members.

Residents are tested twice weekly, according to the statement.

The facility staff and leadership are also ensuring that, in compliance with state mandates, outside contact is limited.

“The health and human effects of the pandemic have been incredibly difficult for many families. No single group has been hit harder than skilled nursing facilities,” Olsen said. “Our residents are the most vulnerable. Their loved ones desperately want to physically connect with them. And, as mandated by the state of Michigan our leadership and care givers need to do everything in their power to limit outside contact in an effort to protect everyone’s safety.

“There are provisions in those mandates that allow loved ones to visit residents in end of life moments,” Olsen said. “We fully support this opportunity for family members and make extraordinary arrangements to protect the safety of all involved in these situations.”

Staff is also supporting and coordinating video streaming and landline and cell phone calls with family and friends. The facility has several iPads and phones available for resident use.

“We are thankful and grateful for the heroic efforts of our staff,” Olsen said. “The love and care that they have shown and continue to show for our residents and their families each and every day has been nothing short of inspiring. We know how difficult this is for our residents and their families. We experience it every day. Our frontline team is passionate about caring for our residents and their wellbeing and will continue to support them and their families in any and all ways possible.”