BEAVER COUNTY (Newsradio 1020 KDKA) - The number of residents at the Brighton Rehabilitation and Wellness Center testing positive for COVID-19 has risen to 34. Numbers supplied by the center say tests on seven patients are still pending. Two patients died from Caronavirus Monday.
A center statement says, "All are in the isolated wing and are being aggressively treated by our Medical Director for any symptoms they have developed."
The Brighton center says it is performing on-site testing of employees who have requested it. Six have reportedly tested positive according to a union official.
The center was mentioned Wednesday in a conference call with national Service Employees International Union president Mary Kay Henry who said, "We're trying to give support to the workers who feel like they've put their lives at risk because of exposure to infection." The SEIU represents about 300 workers at Brighton Rehab.
While some union workers have reportedly walked off the job or refused to come in for fear of infection, the center's statement says, "There has been absolutely no mass exodus of staff." In fact the statement praises workers. "Staff has largely been amazing, supportive, and working unbelievably hard to ensure care..."
Regarding supplies, the center statement says they have 485 N-95 masks for use around infected patients. All other staff are required to wear surgical masks. Management says more than 600 are in reserve. The statement says the Centers for Disease Control guidelines say masks should be work for an entire shift. The center says it has 2,500 surgical gowns, an amble supply of gloves, and 60 gallons of alcohol-based sanitizer will arrive Thursday to add to existing supply.
The statement says CDC guidelines for infected or exposed staff to return to work are being followed.
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