One of the two COVID-19 patients at the Wyoming County Community Health System skilled nursing facility has died, the first COVID-19 death recorded in Western New York.
The resident had been cared for in isolation since being tested. The individual's death was reported in a statement from Jerry Davis, the chairman of the Wyoming County Board of Supervisors.
“Our deepest condolences go out to the family of the resident. As we grieve, the safety of our residents, patients, staff and the community remains our focus,” said WCCHS CEO Joseph McTernan, in a statement.
The skilled nursing facility has enacted safety precautions, including screening of all staff as they enter the building, as well as visitor restrictions, and all staff members are taking aggressive infection control measures and are using personal protective equipment.
As of 1 p.m. Monday, there were three confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Wyoming County. As of Friday, 39 tests had been administered, with 18 negative results and 21 results still pending.
Meanwhile, the Wyoming County emergency operations center has issued a public appeal for personal protective equipment to help combat the COVID-19 pandemic. They are asking for N-95 or procedure style masks and respirators, protective gowns, goggles, and Tyvek suits or similar suits with liquid splash protection.
