ITHACA, NY – The Tompkins County Department of Health reported Wednesday that a resident living in a Racker Center home died of COVID-19 complications. This is the latest of now 14 deaths due to the virus nationwide.
According to the Racker Center, a “group of cases” was reported to TCHD on December 7, although it is unclear how many residents were infected.
A letter from CEO Dan Brown and Cris Donovan to the Racker community further states thatthis is the first resident case in any Racker’s 26 homes since the pandemic began in March, but that two additional residents are currently hospitalized and critically ill.
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The identity of the deceased is not disclosed for privacy reasons, although the letter from Brown and Donovan states that ‘everyone in our Racker community is saddened and saddened by the loss of this wonderful woman. We express our sincere condolences to her family, friends and all the people who have worked with her over the years. ‘
“Our condolences to the Racker community and the family of the individual,” said Frank Kruppa, director of public health in Tompkins County.
The Racker Center, which provides residential housing for more than 140 people with disabilities in three provinces, says they have been vigilant in preventing an outbreak due to the fatal consequences the disease could have on community members.
“We knew about the increased risk of death for people with disabilities who often have underlying health and medical conditions, and we learned a lot from colleagues across the state and country who tackled the outbreaks in group homes this year. As a result, we have ensured that we have kept up to date and followed all protocols and guidance provided by health and medical staff regarding screening, cleaning and disinfection, mask wear and hand washing, implemented filtering systems in our homes, developed procedures to limit staff exposure in the community, and created cohorts to reduce potential proliferation, ”reads the letter from Racker leadership.
The outbreak comes just as the first spate of vaccinations is available in New York State. Eligible rack staff and families are strongly encouraged to get the vaccine as soon as possible.
“If you are eligible for the vaccine, please make an appointment to receive it. It is a community to break this trend and we count on our neighbors to do their part,” reads the letter from Brown and Donovan.
Photo via the Racker Center on YouTube.