The Connecticut Department of Public Health is investigating the Three Rivers Nursing Home in Norwich following an outbreak of COVID-19 cases in the facility.
A spokesman for SEIU 1199, which represents workers at Three Rivers, said Thursday that the facility has at least 15 residents who tested positive and that one resident died last week.
They said three workers also tested positive for coronavirus.
The Connecticut Department of Public Health has launched an investigation into a COVID-19 outbreak at the Three Rivers Nursing Home in Norwich.
The Department of Public Health puts the figures at 13 residents and two staff members and said several people remain hospitalized.
Deidre Gifford, acting commissioner of the Department of Public Health, said her agency had investigators at the Norwich facility on Thursday.
“This unfortunate outbreak underscores the need for all of us to keep our guard up in the fight against COVID-19,” Gifford said in a statement. “COVID is still present in our communities and the virus can spread rapidly if we do not remain vigilant about controlling the infection. DPH is conducting an analysis to determine how the virus can be introduced into Three Rivers, and we are investigating all aspects of infection control practices, including appropriate cohortation, PPE use by personnel, and appropriate screening of personnel. ”
The researchers looked at Three Rivers infection control procedures, staff levels, staff screening practices, and whether the nursing home properly cohorts the residents infected with COVID-19.
The union told NBC Connecticut that they believe a staff member brought the virus into the nursing home, leading to the outbreak.
Gifford said if any violation is found, citations will be issued as guaranteed.
NBC Connecticut has traveled to Three Rivers for an answer, but we have not heard back yet.
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