Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Erie County lawmakers are unanimously on the record now directing the Erie County Health Department to release information related to COVID-19 outbreaks in nursing homes throughout the County. The resolution received the full support of the Erie County Legislature Thursday afternoon.
The resolution directs the health department to release information that identifies when a nursing home suffers a COVID-19 outbreak, the number of individuals at the nursing home that are infected, the number of total nursing home residents, and the suspected source of the outbreak.
As of this week, the infection rate in Erie County has jumped to 5 percent and the overall number of hospitalizations and deaths related to COVID-19 have increased.
"We are sending a message to the County Executive and Health Department that secrecy is unacceptable when it comes to public health," said legislator Joe Lorigo. "The community has a right to know where these outbreaks occur, and that information can be shared while protecting individuals' privacy. Many counties across New York State have been sharing this data and it's time for Erie County to follow suit."
Legislator Frank Todayo said, "Transparency is important especially when we are dealing with a public health crisis. As case numbers continue to rise and hospitalizations increase, data regarding nursing home outbreaks needs to be made available."
Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz and the county's health department have been criticized for not being fully transparent in making available information about COVID outbreaks at facilities within Erie County.
