Nearly 10% of El Paso virus deaths, three-dozen cases tied to state-run veterans home
EL PASO, Texas -- Nearly 10% of all of El Paso's coronavirus-related deaths have involved residents at a state-run veterans home in the city, according to data obtained by ABC-7.
The Ambrosio Guillen Texas State Veterans Home is responsible for six of El Paso's 68 virus deaths, which is part of a larger outbreak at the care facility infecting over three-dozen residents and staff, according to data supplied by the state of Texas on Wednesday.
The veterans home opened in 2005 and provides long term care for up to 160 residents who are Texas veterans, spouses of veterans and Gold Star parents - those who have lost children in the line of military duty. The state said up to 60 of those residents at the facility, located at 9650 Kenworthy Street, are Alzheimer's patients.
State data showed as of Wednesday that 27 residents of the home and 10 staff members had recently tested positive for the virus.
Aside from the six resident deaths, which amounts to nine percent of all El Paso virus fatalities, six other residents are currently hospitalized while 15 who are infected remain at the home.
Among the staff of the facility, officials said two have recovered - meaning eight remain active virus cases.
ABC-7 had to obtain the data from state officials because the City of El Paso has repeatedly refused to identify care facilities where virus outbreaks occur, citing a longstanding policy.
The veteran care facility in El Paso where this outbreak has happened bears the name of Marine Staff Sgt. Ambrosio Guillen, a Medal of Honor recipient who died during the Korean War while defending his troops from a nighttime Chinese attack.
