Allegheny County-run senior living facility seeing COVID-19 outbreak

SCOTT TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A COVID-19 outbreak at a county-run nursing facility prompted health officials to address concerns and mitigation efforts during a news conference Friday.

Officials revealed that 105 residents have tested positive and 10 have died in the last 20 days at the Kane Community Living Center in Scott Township. About three dozen staff members are currently at home after testing positive.

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“When a virus like this gets inside, it’s tough to manage,” said Dr. Mario Fatigati, Chief Medical Officer.

Dr. Fatigati and Kane Community Living Centers Director Dennis Biondo told Channel 11 that staff members are following all county, state and CDC guidelines in order to stop the spread.

Visitation is restricted, group activities have been canceled and everyone entering a facility is screened for symptoms upon arrival.

Residents who’ve tested positive have been separated from those who have not. Employees are wearing full PPE at all times, and staffing levels are adequate, per officials.

The facilities are receiving assistance from the Regional Response Health Collaboration and testing “constantly.” There are currently no plans to call in the National Guard, as other local facilities have following outbreaks

Some residents who’ve tested positive have been asymptomatic, officials said. Those experiencing symptoms can receive certain treatment at the facility, although seven have been sent to area hospitals for more intensive care.

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The facility in Scott Township is among four county-run Kane facilities. Right now, the other three do not have any positive cases to report. Earlier this year, however, there was an outbreak at the location in Glen Hazel. Records show to date 19 residents there have died.

County officials were asked how an outbreak occurred again.

“Do I think we had a gross breach in our policy? The answer is no,” Dr. Fatigati said.

Officials said they haven’t been able to exactly pinpoint how the outbreak started, and aren’t sure if the facility’s cases have peaked.

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Cox Media Group