24 of the 94 residents of the St. Joseph’s Senior Home in Woodbridge (pictured above) have tested positive and the other 70 have been “presumptive positive”, according to government sources.
12 of the staff were reportedly ill too – leaving just three nuns to care for the residents.
Because of the lack of staff, the residents from St. Joseph’s were taken to the CareOne at Hanover aged care home in Whippany, New Jersey, that had been emptied before their arrival, for treatment.
All of the CareOne at Hanover residents were moved to the providers’ other facilities in Morristown, Parsippany, and Livingston, to keep them safe from the virus.
CareOne and St. Joseph’s had no previous relationship – but “immediately began working with the state and local officials”, according to CareOne Executive Vice President Lizzy Straus.
“The state determined it was in the best interest of both the COVID-19-positive residents and those not impacted by the virus, to transfer all patients to another facility,” she said.
New Jersey Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli described the “collaboration” as extraordinary.
“They were able to get nurses and aides to go in over the weekend,” she said.
An example of how aged care operators may have to pull together as the crisis continues.
