According to local authorities, three clients from Kouvola Lautaranta care center died of coronavirus-related complications over the weekend.
Patients were treated with so-called In a repatriation unit that provides short-term care for people over 65 years of age.
On Monday afternoon, a total of 33 coronavirus infections had been confirmed among the unit’s patients and staff.
Several of the patients infected by the unit have been transferred to a hospital according to the social and health services of Kymenlaakso (Kymsote) in Southeast Finland.
Kymsote’s chief commented on the situation in general, Marja-Liisa Mäntymaa, said elderly patients in nursing homes often have underlying conditions that significantly increase the risk of complications and death from coronavirus infection.
The performance began at the beginning of the month
"Now the worst has happened. Although we were able to prepare to some extent, it is still very unfortunate," Mäntymaa said in a statement issued by Kymsote.
The chief doctor said that further deaths were possible and that the families and relatives of the center’s clients had been contacted separately about the situation.
The first cases of coronavirus at the Lautaranta treatment center were diagnosed during the first weekend in January. All residents were then tested later and additional cases were revealed according to the health district.
The return unit has capacity for 39 customers, of which about 30 were occupied last week. The unit normally also has about 30 employees.
‘Worry and sorrow’
No new customers will be admitted to the unit and existing customers will not be transferred home.
As infected and exposed workers are quarantined and replaced by replacement workers, it has been difficult to keep the facility running, according to the head nurse. Hannele Mattila.
"The situation is challenging, but there are staff. We move forward day by day," he said and pointed out that the atmosphere in the unit was full of worry and sorrow.
He said due to absences that staff members worked long shifts.
"This affects those most cared for and their relatives, but yes, this is also a difficult situation for staff," Mattila explained.
"Although [enough] substitutes were available, they do not know how [carry out the work] as well as our permanent staff. The work is physically demanding because they have to use heavy [PPE] in all methods of treatment," he said.
The recovery unit also serves memory-impaired customers who need the help of staff to avoid infecting others.
About half of the unit’s customers have tested positive for coronavirus infections. Senior physician Pine soil said the unit ‘s new infections could be confirmed this week.