Hartford, Conn./WTIC Radio - The state Department of Public Health has ordered the evacuation of a Waterford skilled nursing facility due to asbestos concerns.
Sixty-nine residents at Greentree Manor were safely transferred as of Friday morning, DPH said.
Commissioner Dr. Manisha Juthani said they learned this week that the facility had begun renovations without notifying the department, per state regulations.
Three units of the facility were not tested for asbestos prior to the start of renovations, which have since been halted.
Contractors aren't allowed to undertake any renovations where asbestos is present and may be disturbed without providing the department with an abatement notification.
Among other things, staff is required to cover the South Center Nursing Unit's concrete floor and conduct asbestos testing on all flooring materials.