CDC, National Guard 'Strike Teams' To Assist Montco Nursing Homes

NORRISTOWN, PA — State and federal authorities are deploying multi-disciplinary "strike teams" to help with coronavirus assessment, testing, and more in nursing homes around Pennsylvania. Four facilities in Montgomery County have been identified for assessment.

The teams are made up of a cross-section of experts from the CDC, the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and the National Guard.

They're expected to deploy over the next two weeks, Montgomery County Commissioner Val Arkoosh said. The specific facilities were not identified.

>>PA National Guard Deployed To 10 Nursing Homes Hit By Coronavirus

Montgomery County has seen 461 of its 529 deaths, or 87 percent, in long term care facilities.

"We are grateful for their support," Arkoosh said. "It's great news to have this help."

>>The Latest Coronavirus Numbers In Montgomery Co.: Death Toll At 529

The strike teams will be especially helpful in facilitating testing for all residents and staff within a few days of their arrival at each site, officials said. They'll be supported by Montgomery County's FAST (Field Assessment and Support Team) that has been delivering supplies and going over safety protocols in long term care facilities countywide for weeks now.

>>Officials Urge Montco Nursing Homes To Expand Coronavirus Testing

The teams are prioritizing facilities that have had "early and recent" outbreaks of coronavirus.

Montgomery County has seen 1,682 cases of coronavirus among residents of these facilities, and 612 cases among staff, as of Monday evening. A total of 94 facilities in the county have been impacted with cases.