Wilmington Coronavirus: Town Asks State For Help With AdviniaCare

WILMINGTON, MA — Wilmington town officials asked for state help in responding to the coronavirus at the town's AdviniaCare nursing home, they said Thursday evening. Eighty-four of the facility's 98 residents have tested positive for the virus, and seven have died.

Fire Chief William Cavanaugh, the town emergency management director, said Thursday that the town is in regular communication with the facility's operator, Pointe Group Care, and asked state emergency management officials for assistance, Wednesday.

"It appears that state officials are responding to this request," Cavanuagh said.

Supplemental staff is being provided both by other Pointe Group Care facilities and the Department of Public Health, Cavanaugh explained. The facility has been given priority access to an electronic staffing app, to get staff and volunteers as quickly as possible.

The state request was made "in light of significant increase in covid-positive patients, the loss of seven patients, and the serious questions about the ability of AdviniaCare to manage their facility and provide appropriate care," Cavanuagh said. "Currently the concerns we have raised are being met and are being addressed appropriately."

Cavanaugh also said that communication from the facility has been inconsistent, complaining that some information has come out through the media before town officials have been informed.

Cavanuagh also expressed sympathy for the families of the seven residents who died, noting, "These residents could not be seen by their loved ones in their final moments."

He was joined by fellow town officials Board of Selectmen Chair Greg Bendel, Board of Health Director Shelly Newhouse, Police Chief Joseph Desmond and Town Manager Jeffrey Hull. The full news conference is available here from the Lowell Sun.

Prior to the outbreak, first reported Saturday, the facility was going to be turned into a coronavirus treatment facility, with the residents moved to other Pointe Group Care facilities. That plan has been delayed.

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Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.