Braintree Coronavirus: 64 Percent Of Cases From Nursing Homes

BRAINTREE, MA — Another 13 Braintree residents have died after contracting the new coronavirus, according to town health officials. As of Monday evening, 418 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 with 32 fatalities.

According to Mayor Charles Kokoros' office, 64 percent of Braintree's COVID-19 cases have come from long term care and rehabilitation facilities.

The nursing home cases reflect the cumulative total of all positive test results received to date in these facilities and do not reflect a reduction for those that have recovered. The following facilities have had positive COVID-19 tests:

• Alliance Health: 55
• Braintree Healthcare (Encompass): 23
• Braintree Manor Healthcare: 20
• John Scott House: 105
• Royal Braintree Nursing and Rehabilitation Center: 65

Kokoros said Braintree's Coronavirus Response Team has worked closely with nursing homes to acquire more personal protective equipment and additional testing. A spokesperson for the Royal Braintree Nursing and Rehabilitation Center said 47 of their confirmed cases have recovered thanks to the work of their staff and collaborations with town officials.

"Our highest priority is to ensure all residents are cared for in a safe and healthy environment," the executive director's office for Royal Braintree said in a statement. "We have been working with Mayor Kokoros and the Braintree Health Department and taking precautionary measures dating back to February, including a lock down of the facility, screening of visitors and implementing a personal protective equipment management program to ensure supplies would last for the duration of the emergency."

With the assistance of Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, Kokoros said the National Guard was called in to Braintree to help conduct more testing at nursing homes. Polito also provided the town with a list of available staff to supplement the workforce at these facilities.

"I am incredibly thankful to Lieutenant Governor Polito for her responsiveness and swift action to support our community," Kokoros said.

Braintree businesses have also played a role in supporting nursing homes, Kokoros said. He said the business community has donated personal protective equipment to help support these facilities.

"It is important that we continue working with the administrators of our long term care and rehabilitation facilities in Braintree," Kokoros said. "Where visitation in these establishments has been prohibited, the care our loved ones are receiving now is more important than ever."

If you would like to offer support to Braintree's long term care and rehabilitation facilities, please contact the Braintree Community Task Force at braintreeresponse@gmail.com.

Also Read:

• These MA Nursing Homes Have The Most Confirmed Coronavirus Cases
• Coronavirus: How MA Nursing Homes Control Infections
• Coronavirus in Newton: Assisted Living Facility Deaths Rise To 18