Six Westfield Residents Die Of Coronavirus, Some In Nursing Homes

WESTFIELD, NJ — Coronavirus is spreading through some of New Jersey's 371 rehabilitation centers and nursing homes, yet in many cases, information about infected patients has only been released after a large number have passed away — and little has been released on which homes have positive cases of the virus, or how they are protecting their patients. People with relatives in these homes have asked the state to be more forthcoming on how their loved ones are being taken care of.

This weekend, some numbers have come out.

In Westfield, Mayor Shelley Brindle announced on Saturday six additional people in Westfield who have passed away from the virus, bringing the total number of deaths in town to 13. The newly announced cases were three women ages 68, 84, and 88, and three men, 76, 85, and 88.

"Please keep the families of these residents in your thoughts during this incredibly difficult time," Brindle said, "knowing they are unable to gather for funerals, memorials, and other group commemorations to honor these lost lives."

Brindle said of the 13, six were in long-term care facilities. It was unclear whether those residents passed away recently, or it was that the information was only released recently.

Nursing homes are required to report deaths to their local health department. However, state and local health departments have not been publicly releasing which local facilities have had a number of cases.

Brindle said, "Our Health Department is in daily contact with the management of these facilities within Westfield to offer ongoing guidance and track outbreaks. In addition, our Office of Emergency Management, run by Chief Battiloro, assists them as needed with any supply issues they communicate. The COVID-19 case and fatality numbers we report from these facilities are based only on those who claim these centers as their permanent address; many others may be treated in some of these locations for shorter-term rehabilitation purposes, and therefore their status is not reported to us, as they are not considered Westfield residents."

She added, "I mention this to let you know that we are actively engaged with these centers, but the actual case numbers are indeed higher than we’re able to report, based on place of residence. Our outreach and assistance will of course continue as long as necessary, although decisions about the release of any widespread COVID-19 activity would need to come directly from these facilities as privately run businesses."

She noted, "Any family members who have questions about COVID-19 activity at these centers should call the facility directly to obtain information. There is also a Long Term Care Facilities Hotline managed by the State Department of Health, which can be reached at 1-800-792-9770."

For more on the nursing home issue, click here.

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Mayor Brindle had other important announcements. From her nightly update:

• Union County reported 5,865 cases, with Westfield’s case total now at 126 to date. Those cases range in age from 19-94, with 12 having been hospitalized.
• The governor is also expanding the requirement to wear a face covering to all customers heading into one of the restaurants and bars that remain in operation as they get their takeout orders. Restaurants and bars are also required to give face coverings and gloves to all their food-service personnel. (READ MORE: Gov. Murphy Expands NJ Coronavirus Mask Order As 251 More Die)
• University Hospital in Newark has started to treat patients with severe COVID-19 with anti-COVID immune therapy, and they are in need of more plasma donors. If you have recovered from COVID-19 and are interested in being a donor to help others with the virus, please contact the COVID-19 Treatment Group at covidplasma@uhnj.org, or call 973-972-5474.
• Calling all tailors, seamstresses, and amateur sewers! Some of the long term care facilities are in desperate need of gowns, which they have not been able to procure on their own. We are in the process of securing donated fabric and are looking for volunteers who would be willing to sew some of these gowns. Here is a sample pattern for reference: peekaboopatternshop.com/isolation-gown. More details to come shortly about how to participate.
• I’ll resume my updates on Monday, and would like to wish all who celebrate a very happy Easter. Try to make a point of being outside at 10 a.m. tomorrow, as many of the churches throughout town will be ringing their bells as a show of unity. I know the holiday won’t be the same without the usual gatherings at church and extended family celebrations, but please know that on behalf of the Town Council and all of our town employees, we wish you a day filled with meaning, peace and hope.

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