7 Dead, Infections Widespread at Wilmington Nursing Home

Residents of a Wilmington nursing home that was targeted last week for a transition to COVID-19-only care have themselves become infected by the respiratory disease in large numbers, and seven have died.

Pointe Group Care reported Wednesday afternoon that 77 of 91 residents at AdviniaCare in Wilmington have tested positive, and seven other residents who were receiving end-of-life care there have died after testing positive for the coronavirus.

"Our thoughts are with the families who have lost a relative and we are hoping for a speedy recovery for those who have tested positive, most of whom remain asymptomatic at this time," said Chris Hannon, COO of Pointe Group Care.

Sen. Bruce Tarr, Reps. David Robertson and Ken Gordon, and Wilmington Selectman Greg Bendel and Town Manager Jeff Hull said they are monitoring conditions at AdviniaCare while trying to obtain timely information and steer resources to the home.

"We are painfully aware of the ongoing situation at AdviniaCare in Wilmington, and join together in expressing our condolences to those who have lost loved ones, and support for the families and residents of the facility who remain isolated from each other," the public officials said in a joint statement.

AdviniaCare last Tuesday announced plans to move residents out and convert to COVID-19-only care, as part of a larger effort by the state to boost care capacity ahead of an expected surge in infections. Those plans just three days later were delayed when home managers announced on Friday that of the 98 residents set to be moved, 51 tested positive for the virus.