HOLYOKE — Outdoor visitation has been suspended at the Soldiers’ Home after routine weekly testing for COVID-19 revealed one administrative staff member had tested positive for the virus.
In a statement to the media last week, Executive Office of Health and Human Services spokesperson Brooke Karanovich said visits to veteran residents remain contingent on infection control and public health metrics.
“While this staffer does not provide direct patient care, the home immediately implemented its infection control protocols, which includes suspending visitation for two weeks,” Karanovich said.
Earlier this year, a massive COVID-19 outbreak resulted in the deaths of at least 76 veteran residents.
“Staff who are not feeling well are instructed not to come to work and to contact their health-care provider,” Karanovich said. “If staff show any signs of COVID symptoms, they are required to self-quarantine at home, per (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidance for health-care workers.”
Barring any further positive tests, in-person visits are expected to resume on Saturday, Sept. 19.
Dusty Christensen can be reached at dchristensen@gazettenet.com.