Confirmed COVID-19 cases have surged in three Rhode Island nursing homes in the past two weeks, according to data released on Wednesday afternoon by the R.I. Department of Health. When the health department released its updated tracker of cases and fatalities within congregate care settings, it revealed that in the last week, between 65 and 69 residents of Silver Creek Manor in Bristol have tested positive for the virus.

Until this point, the home, which according to its website has beds for as many as 128 residents, had a virtually spotless record since the beginning of the pandemic. The facility's administrator responded to an inqury Wednesday night and said they will be releasing a statement Thursday morning.

The data also shows that Roberts Health Center in North Kingstown (40 to 44 new cases) and Mansion Center in Central Falls (45 to 49 new cases) are seeing similar outbreaks of the virus.

UPDATED: Silver Creek released the following statement Wednesday night:

"Silver Creek Manor has been hit with its first outbreak of Covid-19 last week, infecting both staff and residents. Silver Creek, a family owned small nursing home, that has both short term rehab and nursing home services, has periodic testing of staff and stringent Infection Control Procedures. It was one the few homes to escape the first wave of Covid infections in the State. Its success, ironically, contributed to the quick spread among staff and residents in a short period of time.

"Kim Ciociola, the Administrator of Silver Creek is working closely with the Rhode Island Department of Health and the National Guard to develop a staffing plan and provide crisis training. Ms. Ciociola said the home has adequate PPE on hand, having planned for a potential outbreak, but is watching it carefully since it is being used extensively during the outbreak. Housekeeping has increased its cleaning and disinfecting. The Rehab staff, together with the assistance of outside staffing agencies, have able to maintain adequate staffing levels.

"Ms. Ciociola said that she could not be prouder of her staff, who she noted are “smart, caring and resilient”.  Everyone is working and helping wherever and however they can.  I am not a nurse and cannot help patients, but I can run around and get supplies where they need to be, she added.

"Ms. Ciociola asked families to be patient while their main mission is caring for the residents, and to understand that they may not be able to provide immediate or frequent reports on their family. 'No news is good news,' but if 'good news changes, we will notify the family contacts immediately. Our first priority is to provide care and comfort for our residents.'

"Ms. Ciociola also wanted to express her gratitude to the community and families who have donated food and coffee for her front-line workers. That small act of kindness goes a long way, she said."