At least 60 residents test positive for COVID-19 at North Huntingdon care facility

NORTH HUNTINGDON, Pa. — Dozens of residents at a Westmoreland County care facility have tested positive for COVID-19.

Transitions Healthcare in North Huntingdon said an outbreak occurred even with preventive measures followed.

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The facility said most of the residents who tested positive in October were asymptomatic, and they became aware through weekly testing.

Nine residents who tested positive no longer have symptoms, according to the facility, and officials said they anticipate that 51 of the residents will recover from their symptoms next week.

In a release on the facility’s website, it said several employees also have tested positive for COVID-19.

The nursing home said it’s following all guidelines to prevent further spread of the virus.

You can read the full post on its Facebook page below:

This is the latest outbreak at long-term care facilities in our area. Related stories:

• 2 more residents die from COVID-19 at Westmoreland Co. nursing home
• More than 80 residents, nearly 30 staff have tested positive for COVID-19 at Westmoreland Co. nursing home
• National Guard at Westmoreland Co. nursing home to help with COVID-19 outbreak

The most recent outbreak is concerning for Westmoreland Co. leaders like commissioner Gina Cerilli.

“We are seeing a spike here,” she said. “Hospitalizations is the biggest concern.”

On Thursday, the state health department reported more than 100 new cases in Westmoreland County – the second highest daily count increase of all 67 counties in Pa. It’s especially alarming when you consider nine counties have higher populations than Westmoreland.

State data shows 46 patients are currently hospitalized in the county and five are on ventilators.

Cerilli said that over the summer they had an average of five hospitalizations. She hopes to see cases drop.

“It is concerning because most important thing, we want small businesses to be able to remain open as well as school districts have in-person schooling. But both of those are at risk right now if it continues to spike,” Cerilli said.

Spike in COVID-19 cases in Westmoreland County having significant impact on schools

Cox Media Group