This past week Mayor Kokoros issued an emergency order requiring weekly COVID-19 testing for employees at long-term care, rehabilitation and assisted living facilities regardless of the nature of the work being performed at the facility. The order became effective at 11:59 pm on Saturday, November 14, 2020.
Mayor Kokoros believes that the order, issued as part of a pilot program, will minimize the spread of COVID-19 amongst one of our most vulnerable populations. “This is a preventative measure we need to take to ensure that what occurred in these facilities does not happen again.”
Approximately 90% of the Town’s coronavirus deaths are from long-term care and assisted living facilities.
The order also requires facilities to provide an environment for residents to quarantine in accordance with all applicable local and state health department guidelines, as well as guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Additionally, it requires the facilities to report all positive cases directly to the Town’s Board of Health.
“Now that we have the access to testing, we can take this proactive step towards protecting our residents,” said Mayor Kokoros.