Another COVID-19 outbreak strikes Northern California retirement home for Jesuits

(RNS) — A Jesuit retirement home in Northern California that saw eight of its priests die of COVID-19 during the pandemic’s first winter is experiencing another outbreak.

This time, however, officials say residents have mild or no symptoms thanks to COVID-19 vaccines.

As of Tuesday (March 7), 31 men had tested positive for COVID-19 at Sacred Heart Jesuit Center in Los Gatos, an unincorporated town in Santa Clara County, said Tracey Primrose, a spokesperson of Jesuits West Province. The outbreak, which is the second largest to hit the center, started Feb. 27.

The 175-acre Sacred Heart Jesuit Center is “in lockdown mode,” Primrose said.

Visitors are not allowed, and residents are only permitted to leave the center for a medical necessity, Primrose said. Residents cannot congregate. Liturgies are available on televisions in each room. All meals are delivered.

Currently, 74 men reside at the center and are between 58 and 97 years old. Most of the population is in their upper 70s and 80s.

During the 2020-21 winter, the center went through a quarantine of more than 100 days with all residents confined to their rooms.

“This is not unfamiliar territory,” Primrose said. “The difference, though, is that our residents are all vaccinated, which was not the case during the last outbreak because vaccines were not yet available.”

No one is seriously ill due to COVID-19, and most are either symptom-free or have minimal symptoms, Primrose said, adding that staff members are keeping a close eye on those with underlying conditions.

“In terms of their spirits, the Jesuits are resilient, optimistic and prayerful,” Primrose said.

Sacred Heart is home to retired Jesuits who served in 10 Western states and is regarded as the “the finishing school,” where Jesuits live out their final years, according to Santa Clara Magazine. Food, medical appointments, recreation and spiritual guidance are provided there.