Ashton Gardens Gracious Retirement Living in Portland confirmed a cluster of COVID-19 cases. In a statement to Maine Public, a spokesperson for Hawthorn Senior Living, the facility’s parent company, said four residents have tested positive for the virus.

Spokesperson Adam Bryan said all residents and staff who are symptomatic are now being tested for the virus, and that the last positive result was on April 2. Ashton Gardens is on the same street and less than half a mile away from The Cedars, another congregate senior facility where multiple cases have been detected.





“We have provided ongoing notifications to residents, their family members and staff of Ashton Gardens Gracious Retirement Living with each confirmed case of COVID-19,” Hawthorn Senior Living said in a statement. “Our heartfelt wishes go out to all members of our community and their families who have been affected by this virus.”

Ashton Gardens implemented a leveled response program to address the increased spread of the virus in early March, and continued to take elevated virus control measures including implementing extensive disinfecting protocols, protocols applied to food service and prohibiting any non-essential visitation, according to the statement.

On March 27, residents were asked to stay in their apartments.

Hawthorn Senior Living is in close contact with the Maine DHHS. The Maine CDC is aware of the cases at the community and has been working with Ashton Gardens since last month.

Hawthorn Senior Living did not respond to requests for further details.