15 Patient Deaths at Katy Rehab Facility Prompt COVID-19 Investigation

KATY MAGAZINE NEWS

August 12, 2020

By Natalie Cook Clark

A Katy nursing and rehabilitation center is the center of a local COVID-19 outbreak investigation. 15 people are dead and as of Tuesday, six were confirmed to be COVID-19-related deaths.

COVID-19 at Katy Nursing and Rehab Center

Sterling Oaks Rehabilitation at 25150 Lakecrest Manor Drive in Katy, offers 24-hour skilled nursing care and both short and long-term rehabilitation.

On July 3, two people at the Katy rehabilitation facility tested positive for COVID-19. That is when Harris County Health (HCPH) officials started investigating recent deaths there.

As of yesterday, six of the 15 recent deaths have been confirmed to be related to COVID-19. The rest are still pending test results.

Resident and Staff Safety is a Priority

On their website, Sterling Oaks Rehabilitation says they prioritize the safety of their residents and staff and are following all recommended guidelines outlined by the state, local health officials, and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Medicare and Medicaid Services.

The Harris County Public Health department (HCPH) is actively monitoring the situation. They will watch the residents and staff for signs of the virus, as well as anyone else connected to the center that also falls under the group’s jurisdiction.

Health Order Issued

HCPH placed Sterling Oaks Rehabilitation under orders to "ensure compliance with infection control and prevention, to track viral transmission of virus causing COVID-19 and COVID-19-related deaths. HCPH is continuing to work with (Health and Human Services Commission) and other state entities in this investigation."

To protect their residents, the Sterling Oaks Rehabilitation is restricting visitors. The facility is also suspending all residential group activities but is providing individual activities for residents.

Housekeeping is doing regular deep cleaning in addition to their regular services. The staff are wearing personal protective equipment (PPE).

Sterling Oaks Rehabilitation has 126 beds and their website states that they are “a luxurious community focused on Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Services.”

To learn more about Sterling Oaks Rehabilitation, including their frequent COVID-19 response updates, visit their website.

As of Tuesday, August 11 at 4:00 p.m. Harris County reported a total of 87,505 confirmed COVID-19 cases.

Total Cases- 87,505

Deaths- 925

Active- 36,113

Recovered- 50,463

Katy Magazine reached out to Sterling Oaks for an update and have not received a response as of the time of publication.