State Health Department to Probe Norwich Nursing Home

Cover Image

(Hartford, Conn./WTIC)-The Connecticut  Health Department announced Thursday that it will investigate the Three Rivers Nursing  Home in Norwich after  a Covid-19  Outbreak infected 13 residents  and two staff members.  One resident has since died and several are hospitalized.“This  unfortunate  outbreak  underscores the  need  for  all  of  us  to  keep  our  guard  up  in  the  fight  against COVID-19,” said Acting DPH Commissioner Deidre S. Gifford, MD MPH.“COVID is still present in our communities and the virus can spread quickly if we do not remain vigilant about controlling the infection."Gifford says the analysis will determine how the virus was introduced into the nursing home. Gifford adds, "We are investigating all aspects of this facility’s infection control practices, including appropriate cohorting, PPE use by staff, and appropriate staff screening.”  The probe will also determine the level of compliance by the nursing home regarding one of Governor Ned Lamont's Executive orders, which mandates weekly testing for all nursing  home  staff.At the Governor's afternoon briefing, Gifford stated that if appropriate citations or fines may be issued.