CORONAVIRUS: 3rd COVID-19 case reported at High Point seniors complex Bridge Park

| Coronavirus | Health | High Point | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, last week)

Another COVID-19 case reported at Bridge Park, the senior-living complex in High Point. Here’s the first page of the notification, provided by a family member:

(Here’s the second page.) The first case was reported last Thursday; second case, this past Monday. These three cases, and one affecting a South Seattle College student, are the only ones that have come to light in West Seattle so far; there could be others, but the King County information releases no longer even list cities, let alone neighborhoods. Meantime, we have a followup inquiry out to parent company Holiday Retirement.

Concerned March 18, 2020 (5:56 pm)

Since the residents have been in quarantine since the first case, the question nobody seems to know the answer to is: are these related? who did each of these residents come into contact with?if not related, could this be a case of transmission from a silent carrier?what is the common thread?

Ice March 18, 2020 (7:13 pm)

This virus has a long incubation period so we can be almost certain that the most recent person who is now showing symptoms was infected long before the first person at this location started showing symptoms.

Quarantined March 18, 2020 (6:29 pm)

Both locations of confirmed COVID-19 cases in WS are on the 128 bus line. Definitely no coincidence. There’s probably many more people who used that route that are infected without symptoms.

KM March 18, 2020 (8:41 pm)

The 128 covers a lot of areas and the location of the two cases could absolutely be a coincidence and the virus could have been carried by something other than the bus.
- Quarantined March 19, 2020 (11:14 am)
  
  These two locations are only 10 mins apart on the 128 schedule. Again, NOT a coincidence. Anyways, I wasn’t trying to make any type of point in my original comment. It literally doesn’t matter how the virus has been spread, I’m just having discussion.

M March 18, 2020 (6:48 pm)

They got it from somewhere. Likely means there are hundreds if not thousands of people infected in West Seattle.

Susan March 18, 2020 (9:05 pm)

M, Calm down. Breathe. Panicking will get you nowhere, and will only serve to diminish your own immune system. Follow the guidelines for social distancing/ sheltering in place. Do what you can to safeguard your family and the community, but at this point, what will happen will happen. Perhaps a walk along the beach would help to provide some respite from the swirling angst. I feel it too…
- Lisa March 19, 2020 (9:31 am)
  
  That didn’t sound like panicking to me. It sounded like an extrapolation from the numbers we have available. The best advice we are getting right now is to stay at home as much as possible, so I’d advise people not to join the throngs on the beach. Reports and pictures from Alki showed that people were not following recommendations on social distancing there. There are things that we can do to lessen the severity of this crisis. If we have a defeatist attitude or don’t acknowledge the magnitude of what we are facing, then sure, what will happen will happen. But if we work together to do the responsible thing, then we can shape the future for the better.

Lura Ercolano March 18, 2020 (7:15 pm)

Approximately how many residents live at Bridge Park?

WSB March 18, 2020 (7:17 pm)

I tried to pull that info up online, could not find it before we had to move on – maybe a family member knows.

KBear March 18, 2020 (7:25 pm)

Stop trying to trace the path or find someone to blame. Just assume that you yourself may be infected. Do whatever you can to prevent transmission to others.

Ice March 19, 2020 (12:07 am)

Yes, this is the best policy. This virus has a long incubation period, and as far as I understand, it’s not fully understood when it is contagious. The reality is that a lot of us are probably already infected already but haven’t started to show symptoms yet. It’s best to assume that you are sick and contagious simply to protect others, but also assume others are sick to protect yourself.

oakley34 March 18, 2020 (8:16 pm)

I wonder what written communication (besides the few we’ve seen) has been shared with residents. Are they sharing the best information on how residents can protect themselves and others re: hygiene etc. I hope they aren’t taking that for granted. I walk by there daily and feel awfully for them.

MC March 18, 2020 (9:24 pm)

Family member here – there are over 100 residents. I don’t have the exact number. Management have been great at keeping everyone informed. They have been sending out letters to residents and calling family members daily. The last I have heard was that 13 have been tested – 3 positive, 7 negative, and 3 test results have not been returned yet.The residents all should be tested on-site to reduce exposure risk to themselves and to the West Seattle community. Making them go to their individual doctors offices and hospitals poses a huge risk to all of us. With over 100 elderly people, this is the safest thing for everyone. Please ask our elected officials to make sure on-site testing happens.

WSB March 18, 2020 (9:33 pm)

Thank you. Someone just contacted us offline saying the current phone directory indicates ~141 people.

Busrider March 18, 2020 (9:25 pm)

It doesnt matter at this point trying to trace the source of one person because it has spread throughout our area in multiple places. We all need to do our part of physical distancing and washing hands to slow the spread to the most vulnerable.

Michele March 18, 2020 (10:08 pm)

My mom is an 84 year old resident at Bridge Park. She has lived there two years, and it has been the most amazing home we could ever hope for her to enjoy. The staff is caring and wonderful in every way. This is a tragic time we are in now and the three current confirmed cases at Bridge Park are unsettling. That being said I feel confident they are doing everything possible to keep the residents safe, healthy and informed. They’ve also been very good in communicating to the families. I was standing in the Bridge Park parking lot today talking to my mom as she stood on her balcony. It was nice to see her in person and see her smiling face while keeping precautions and distance. Many other residents came out on their balconies when they heard us talking. It was nice to see residents smiles and made me realize how lonely many of them must be during this quarantine. I’d love to be able to provide them some entertainment for them to enjoy from their balconies…anyone play the guitar/sing?? Obviously couldn’t be a group or band. Maybe kids could do some chalk art on the sidewalks surrounding Bridge Park? Please don’t send groups or congregate in the area. Just putting ideas out there to bring some joy to your quarantined senior neighbors!

Julie March 19, 2020 (6:55 am)

Michelle,I have thought that same thing about music. I too go there to see my mother daily. I stand in the parking lot and she comes out to her balcony. I too believe they are doing everything they can to keep the residents safe. Keep in mind everyone, this is independent living there. They are not a nursing facility or assisted living facility. These staff have stepped up. Manu there don’t have family close by and some don’t have any family. So, what can we do to ease this stress and loneliness they may be feeling during this quarantine? Musicians, yes. Chalk art, yes. Let’s get some of those school kids that are at home out for a walk and spread out around the facility to say hello. You don’t need to know anyone. Just say hi. Wave. Walk atriums the entire building to get all exposed windows in site. Let’s get them smiling.

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