CANAAN, Conn. — Eight residents of a nursing home in Connecticut have died during a coronavirus outbreak while 89 residents and employees have tested positive for the disease, nursing home officials say.
The outbreak at the Geer Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Canaan began Sept. 30, chief executive Kevin O’Connell and nursing director Cady Bloodgood said in a statement Friday.
According to officials, eight of the residents who perished had severe health issues. The 22 employees and 67 residents who were tested positive for the disease included 22 of their staff. According to officials, 48 residents have been cured and 21 employees are now in recovery.
O’Connell told the Republican-American there were no infections at the nearby Geer Lodge, an independent and assisted living center on the campus. Bloodgood agreed with O’Connell that the virus testing for new infections continues every other week.
“While we must continue with COVID-19 prevention protocols, we want to assure everyone we are doing our best to keep residents and staff safe,” they said.
The facility houses 82 people. In-person visits have been suspended, however virtual or window visits are possible.
According to Friday’s state report, there have been 45 cases of coronavirus infection in Connecticut nursing homes and 54 cases reported by staff between October 27th and November 9. Three residents died.
