The state-run veterans home in LaSalle where 36 residents died during a coronavirus outbreak two years ago is experiencing another surge of COVID-19.
The state-run veterans home in LaSalle where 36 residents died during a coronavirus outbreak two years ago is experiencing another surge of COVID-19, state officials announced Monday.
“This rapid and early identification and consequent treatment of the residents with COVID-19 has resulted in zero hospitalizations thus far and the intensive mitigation measures implemented have already resulted in a timely slowing down in the identification of new cases daily,” Claffey said in an emailed response to questions.
The governor has sought to assign some responsibility for the outbreak to “Republican elected officials who told people to defy mitigation efforts.” All the infected residents have been moved to isolated rooms with special ventilation. The department said it has instituted additional safety measures at LaSalle, including health screening for residents every four hours, COVID-19 testing for staff at all shift changes, and use of N-95 respirator masks with protective face shields.
This is the third time since June the Veterans’ Affairs department has reported an outbreak at one of its five homes.