Coronavirus Cases Grow At Kane Regional Centers

PITTSBURGH, PA - Coronavirus cases are spiking at Allegheny County's Kane Regional Centers, where 51 patients and 26 staff members have tested positive for COVID-19. County officials said Friday there now are confirmed cases at all four centers, which care for a total of more than 900 residents.

Four patients have died from the virus thus far, all from the Hazelwood assisted living center.

At the McKeesport facility, one resident has tested positive. The individual had been at a local hospital for other medical issues; the resident was tested upon returning to the facility and has been isolated since.

At the McKeesport, Ross and Scott centers, one employee at each center has tested positive. They have not worked at the centers since April 13, April 10 and April 6 respectively.

County officials said that any employee who is symptomatic when screened at the time they report for work, or any time during the day, is sent home immediately and advised to contact their physician. The facilities are now able to swab symptomatic employees on site and send those specimens for testing.

All employees providing patient care for residents who have tested positive, or whose test is pending, have been issued and are required to wear N95 masks, gowns, gloves and face shields or goggles. This also applies for the health care staff conducting testing of residents and staff; all other staff in the four centers are being provided with disposable surgical masks when reporting to work each day.

“Our singular focus during this difficult time is protecting and caring for our residents and staff,” said Director Dennis Biondo. “We have been grateful for the continued communication with and guidance from the health department and remain focused and committed to ensuring that we continue to provide the quality of care for which we have become known.”