Two residents at an Allegheny County-run nursing home have tested positive for COVID-19.
The county says the individuals reside at Kane Community Living Centers’ Glen Hazel facility, and that staff decided to test the residents due to unexplained fevers.
On Wednesday, a staff member at the facility tested positive for COVID-19. That individual reportedly did not have direct contact with residents.
This is the first time a long-term care facility in the county has publicly disclosed COVID-19 cases. Nursing home infections are particularly concerning as residents tend to be elderly and medically fragile, and because people live in such close contact. A COVID-19 outbreak at a nursing home near Seattle is linked to at least 35 deaths.
The Kane residents who tested positive are isolated at the facility, and people whose rooms are nearby will also be tested.
UPMC has said previously that if individuals at its long-term facilities have COVID-19, they would also remain at the facility.
The county said that checks will be conducted on Kane Center residents at each shift change. Staff will be monitored for symptoms and possible exposures.
Two weeks ago, Kane suspended all resident trips outside the center. This was in accordance with federal and state guidelines, designed to prevent COVID-19 outbreaks at such facilities. Kane also canceled in-person visits, “except in instances of end-of-life or when a resident’s heath becomes severely critical and visitation from immediate family members, friends and religious leaders becomes necessary.”
