Pa. releases more details on COVID-19 in nursing homes. Here’s the breakdown in Centre County
The state Health Department identified nursing or personal care homes with a case of the new coronavirus for the first time Tuesday.
Wynwood House at State College reported the most cases of COVID-19 among both residents (15) and employees (10) in Centre County. No other long-term care facility has more than four cases in either category.
The DOH redacted statistics from facilities reporting fewer than five infections or deaths. About 68% of the state’s 4,624 COVID-19 deaths have been reported in senior living communities.
One Wynwood House at State College resident died of COVID-19, owner Vincent Romanini said last week.
Wynwood House at Greenhills — another facility owned by Romanini — had at least one employee test positive, according to the DOH. Romanini disputed that Tuesday, saying no cases have been reported at the Ferguson Township facility.
The Oaks at Pleasant Gap reported fewer than five cases among residents and employees, along with fewer than five deaths. The facility previously confirmed two deaths to the Centre Daily Times.
“Long-term care facility residents are among the most vulnerable Pennsylvanians, and we want their families to have the latest information on what is going on in the facilities in which their loved ones reside,” Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine said in a statement. “COVID-19 is a particularly challenging situation for these settings as they care for residents with serious medical conditions. We will continue to work to ensure the safety and well-being of residents through education, resources and testing.”
No other facilities that operate in Centre County were identified by the DOH, but Centre Crest administrator Andrew Naugle said Tuesday that two employees tested positive.
Centre Crest reported the cases to the DOH, Naugle said. The DOH did not directly address why the facility was not listed.
“We are going to be continuing to work to ensure our data is accurate compared to what is occurring in each long-term care facility,” Deputy Press Secretary Maggi Mumma wrote in an email. “As always, we are working with the data reported to us, and will work to reconcile this data on a regular basis.”
Testing resources are expected to be “targeted” to long-term care facilities with a substantial outbreak. The DOH has not released guidelines for what classifies as a “substantial” outbreak.
Those discharged from a hospital to a nursing home, personal care home or assisted living facility should expect to be tested if they were not hospitalized for COVID-19.
The DOH and commercial laboratories have also coordinated with facilities to implement a universal testing strategy. The Pennsylvania National Guard is also offering mobile test for facilities that may not be able to test independently.
Complaints about long-term care facilities can be reported by calling 254-5164, emailing c-ncomplai@pa.gov, filling out an online form or by mail.
“Our long-term care facilities are an integral part of Pennsylvania’s health care system. People providing care in long-term care facilities must endure these challenges of this difficult time while maintaining continuity and services for people under their care,” Department of Human Services Secretary Teresa Miller said in a statement. “We are committed to continuing networks of support for these facilities so we can navigate and overcome this challenge together.”
This story was originally published May 19, 2020 at 3:47 PM.