MILFORD, Del.- The healthcare provider operating a long-term care facility in Milford said on Tuesday several residents of the building have died in connection to COVID-19, a development that comes as state health officials craft new guidance and requirements aimed at reducing the spread of coronavirus at facilities like nursing homes.

Dr. Richard Feifer, the chief medical officer for Genesis HealthCare, said in a statement that a total of 52 residents and 13 staff members at the Milford Center have tested positive or are presumed positive for COVID-19.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of these residents during this difficult time, especially the families of the nine residents who passed away," he said.

Of the affected residents, Genesis said 12 are currently asymptomatic. A spokeswoman for Delaware's Division of Public Health said the agency could confirm six deaths related to Genesis' Milford Center and would need to check with the number of positive tests involving its residents.

Feifer said the COVID-19 pandemic has been an uprecedented health crisis and Genesis has diligently followed CDC guidance on preventing the spread of the coronavirus at its facilities and has often gotten out in front of public health guidelines.

"I can assure you that we are working round the clock to keep our patients and residents healthy and as safe as possible. We are doing everything in our power – and everything medical experts know as of at this time – to protect our patients, residents and employees," he said.

The CDC has recommended that long-term care facilities take extra precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including educating healthcare workers and families about the coronavirus and protective measures, making PPE available to staff, and have staffers demonstrate competency with putting on and removing PPE.

Feifer said research highlighted by the CDC has indicated people can spread the virus while being asymptomatic.

"It is a complex virus that is hard to detect and can take weeks to present itself. By the time you have a positive test result, many may have already been exposed," he said.

State health officials on Tuesday said during a news conference that an amendment to Gov. John Carney's state of emergency for COVID-19 would bring additional changes to how long-term care facilities handle the spread of the coronavirus.

DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay said during a press briefing on Tuesday that the state would be offering additional guidance and training requirements for healthcare workers in places like long-term care facilities.

"We feel it's really important that all staff and all facilities are being trained on appropriate screening, being trained on identification of COVID-19. What do the symptoms look like? What is it you should be looking for? How do you go about getting expedited testing which is so important?" she said.