Vernon-Based Regional Nursing Home Touts Zero Coronavirus Cases

VERNON, CT — A nursing facilty in Vernon that serves the region reported zero cases of coronavirus in a report released Friday.

Vernon Manor is a family owned health care facility located on Regan Road. The report indicated that all 93 of its residents tested negative for the virus. According to the announcement, the tests were implemented by Vernon Manor on May 18 in conjunction with a mandate from Gov. Ned Lamont and the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health that all nursing home residents receive coronavirus screening.

The report also indicated that Vernon Manor has not had any "deficiencies" related to "infection control" during unannounced annual health inspections by the DPH.

"This is great news for our community's most vulnerable population," Vernon Manor administrator Angela Perry said.

Perry said preventative measures included:

• Universal masking of all employees
• A 3-month supply of personal protective equipment initiative
• Heightened infection control surveillance and other facility specific contingency plans

"All of these actions helped create a preventative rather than reactive environment during this worldwide pandemic," she said. "We all know, though, that many other skilled nursing facilities took similar measures but have residents who tested positive for COVID-19. We applaud their efforts and understand the unique position we find ourselves in as a small, suburban facility."

Perry also attributed Vernon Manor's zero percent coronavirus infection rate to "daily strategic planning and communication efforts" between the facility's management and staff.

"These discussions mitigated various COVID scenarios, which helped eliminate the virus's exposure and ensure the safety and well-being of the residents and employees," Perry said.

Vernon Manor also implemented:

• A coronavirus facility resource guide
• N95 fit testing and trained staff to fit test
• Designated Observation/Isolation Units
• Strategic Placement of Novaerus Air units in High Traffic Areas
• Replacement of total exhaust air units on the roof
• Placement of REME Halo Hydro Peroxide Air Scrubber on Designated Unit
• Social distancing of staff in work areas
• An agreement with FEMA Contractor Batelle Decontamination to sanitize N95 masks
• Activated an oxygen piping on designated unit

Some of the preventative measures were implemented at the end of February, ahead of the first confirmed case of the coronavirus in Connecticut on March 8, according to the report.

As an additional precautionary step, the company provided masks and hand sanitizers to employees for their personal use to reduce exposure while they are at home, the grocery store or the gas pump, according to the report.

"Our ability to control the entry of the virus at Vernon Manor to date has been the direct result of our dedicated and tireless skilled nurses, environmental services department and all others. They continue to go above and beyond to ensure as best they can the health and safety of our residents and each other in response to this invisible threat," Perry said.