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Local long-term care facilities are seeing a rise in COVID-19 cases at a time when the nation is bracing for the biggest surge since the start of the pandemic earlier this year.
In many instances, information for numbers of people -- both residents and staff members -- testing positive are not available through either the state Department of Health or the facility.
Bobbie Woolcock, regional director of nursing operations, Muncy Place, said 13 residents are now COVID-19 positive at the skilled nursing care facility. In addition, two employees recently tested positive.
"UPMC is following U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and working with local public health authorities to identify and contact individuals who may have been exposed to COVID-19. This includes facility employees, residents and family members," she stated.
Muncy Place is fortunate to be part of a large health system to allow for sharing of resources and mobilization of staff among facilities to bring preparedness, as well as adequate staff and resources, she noted.
"The pandemic has changed a lot of our daily processes, but we continue to focus on providing the highest quality of care for our residents," she said. "We've always done that, but now we do it wearing masks, gowns, gloves, and eye protection."
Some facilities such as Broad Acres & Country Terrace, Wellsboro have released information to the public on their websites.
Broad Acres reported it has 25 active confirmed resident cases of COVID-19, bringing its total cumulative number to 74. In addition, 12 staff members have recently been confirmed positive, bringing that total to 44.
Officials noted they are taking steps based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services to reduce the spread and impact of COVID-19 which includes screening, use of personal protective equipment and restricting visitation.
Valley View Rehab and Nursing Center, Williamsport, is battling the COVID-19 surge as well.
Officials there did not provide figures for positive cases but released the following statement: "Until very recently, Valley View Rehab and Nursing Center has been successful in combating COVID-19 since it hit the United States over 8 months ago, with no reported cases within the Valley View Community. As late as October, VVRNC is rated #14 in Pennsylvania nursing homes for their handling of COVID protocol in addition to other indicators. Unfortunately, the fall resurgence of cases in Lycoming County and across the state has impacted Valley View and resulted in positive COVID-19 cases throughout the Valley View community. We are aggressively combating COVID-19 to limit the number of positive cases within the Valley View community and to protect and to make sure all our residents and staff are as safe as possible. We continue to follow all guidance from the CDC and the PA Department of Health, as well as providing increased social and emotional support. Please be assured that the administration and staff are actively involved in insuring the safest environment possible during the current health crisis."
Rose View Nursing and Rehab Center, Williamsport has had just a limited number of positive cases, according to administrator Lauren Henry.
She said the overall number is less than five positives. There are no cases right now.
"We are extremely blessed in that regard," she said.
She said Rose View has an adequate supply of personal protection equipment and is well staffed.
Henry credited personnel with being up to the challenge of being prepared for COVID-19.
"We stick together and get the job done," she said.
The Williamsport Home reported 16 residents and 18 staff members were confirmed positive between Nov. 27 and Dec. 4. No additional information was available at press time.
Officials from ManorCare Health Services North and ManorCare Health Services South in Williamsport as well as ManorCare Health Services Jersey Shore were not available for comment for this story.