BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Forty-one people who live or work at the Kingston Healthcare Center located in Southwest Bakersfield tested positive for COVID-19 according to Kern County Public Health Services. KCPH confirmed from the California Department of Public Health the exact number as positive tests came from 16 residents and 25 staff members.

"Given the number of positive cases within such a vulnerable population, Kern County Public Health has been in routine communication with CDPH and Kingston regarding the situation," said spokesperson for KCPH said.

Skilled nursing facilities are regulated by CDPH, but back in February, KCPH hosted a meeting with all facilities to try assist them in preparation for the impact of the virus. They went over topics such as intake processes, sanitizing protocols, visitation, and congregate eating. They followed up with a meeting in mid-April and re-reviewed all of the prior topics, as well as the proper use of PPE.

According to Kern County Public Health Services, on May 1st facility requested help with staffing shortages. On Saturday night a team 35 health care professionals from throughout the state were deployed to help with staffing of the facility. That team will remain in place until facility can reliably provide adequate staffing.

Last Friday, 23ABC reported that the local nursing care facility had four employees test positive for COVID-19. Documents showed the facility had a long history of failing to properly care for the elderly, according to the California Department of Public Health.

You can find out more information from that original story here.