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State of Ohio releases some details on COVID-19 cases in nursing homes after 3News investigation

But Rachel Polansky found more records the state won't show you, like the number of deaths inside nursing homes.

CLEVELAND — The Ohio Department of Health has now released its list of nursing homes with COVID 19 cases.

The move came after 3News Investigates pressed for access. On Friday, investigator Rachel Polansky found more nursing home records the state won't show you.

It's been six weeks since Sam Hemoud hugged his 75-year-old dad, who lives in an Avon Lake nursing home.

Credit: Sam Hemoud

“We're just worried because we know how dangerous the virus can be,” said Hemoud.

While Sam understands why he can't see his dad, he doesn't understand why those who care for him, and especially state health officials, have been so secretive.

Up until now, health officials had refused to identify facilities with COVID 19 infections – citing privacy concerns.

So, 3News Investigates made a formal public records request – and had our station attorney follow up -- because of growing concerns from families over the lack of transparency.

“You spearheaded it. Once you broke the news, a lot of people got involved,” said Hemoud.

After we pressed for access, Ohioans can now see the total number of cases at each nursing home, broken down by county, on the ODOH website. As of Friday, there are more than 800 confirmed cases of COVID 19 at nursing homes or assisted living facilities.

Credit: Rachel Polansky

“A week ago, the Ohio Department of Health wouldn't release any information, like what facility, or what location. So, where we are now from two weeks ago is big. I appreciate that and what you did and putting it out there, because we were helpless at that point,” said Hemoud.

Credit: Rachel Polansky

But it's not all good news.

The number of deaths inside nursing homes is not being released to the public.

3News Investigates also spotted a number of mistakes on the state's list – and we weren't the only ones.

“I'm getting tons of emails and calls and texts from members about errors in the list,” said Pete Van Runkle, Ohio Health Care Association.

Van Runkle heads the Ohio Health Care Association -- that represents more than 1,000 assisted living facilities and nursing homes in the state.

“The errors are kind of a big deal because a member who doesn't have a case and is being reported as having one, the families are calling and saying how come you didn't tell us the truth? So, that's a concern and they're kind of upset about it,” said Van Runkle.

Even without the state's help, 3News counted at least 40 nursing home patient deaths across Ohio. We also questioned Gov. Mike DeWine about this lack of transparency. He said it was a policy issue that he'd look into and get back to us.

Below are case counts at long-term care facilities, broken down by county, as of April 15:

Ashtabula County

  • Saybrook Landing - 2 cases

Cuyahoga County

  • Altercare Mayfield Village - 2 cases
  • Beachwood Pointe Care Center - 5 cases
  • Elisabeth Severance Prentiss Center MetroHealth - 3 cases
  • Eliza Bryant Village - 3 cases
  • Generations Senior Living, Strongsville - 8 cases
  • Judson Park - 4 cases
  • Manorcare Health Services, Parma - 63 cases, at least 1 death
  • McGregor Home - 8 cases
  • Montefiore - 4 cases
  • Parmacare Center - 39 cases
  • Stone Gardens - Menorah Park Asst. Living - 27 cases
  • Vitalia Senior Residences - Westlake - 1 case
  • West Park Neurology And Rehabilitation Center - 22 cases
  • Woodside Senior Living - Bedford - 1 case

Geauga County

  • Briar Hill Health Care Residence - 34 cases,  at least 2 deaths 

Lake County

  • Heartland of Willoughby - 1 case 
  • Ohio Living Breckenridge Village Assisted Living - 1 case

Lorain County

  • Main Street Care Center - 17 cases 
  • O'Neil Healthcare North Ridgeville - 16 cases

Medina County

  • Wadsworth Pointe - 1 case
  • Western Reserve Masonic assisted living - 8 cases

Portage County

  • Anna Maria of Aurora - 15 cases, at least 1 death 
  • Arbors of Streetsboro - 9 cases

Stark County

  • Altercare of Alliance - 55 cases, at least 4 deaths 
  • Canton Regency Senior Living - 2 cases 
  • Jackson Ridge Rehab and Care - 9 cases 
  • Meadow Wind Health Care Center - 2 cases

Summit County

  • Arbors of Stow - 1 cases 
  • Brookdale Montrose - 3 cases 
  • Brookdale of Barberton - 1 case 
  • Canal Pointe - 3 cases 
  • Hickory Ridge - 1 case
  • Ohio Living Rockynol - 28 cases, at least seven deaths 
  • Pebble Creek Healthcare Center - 7 cases

Wayne County

  • Glendora Health Care Center  - 28 cases, at least 5 deaths

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