COVID19 2021-01-21 Health Department Issues Correction Regarding Deaths

On January 20, the Health Department reported two deaths from Oak Hill Manor Nursing Home in error. The Health Department has confirmed that these deaths were not Oak Hill residents. The two deaths were residents of Beechtree Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing. There was a delay in the Health Department being notified of these deaths, which occurred on January 18.

When a positive case is identified in a resident at any nursing home facility, New York State takes over the monitoring and infection control at the facility. Throughout the pandemic, the Health Department reports all positive cases at a nursing home and any deaths deemed to be COVID-19-related to the public.

If there is a death at a nursing home, the State is notified, however, the local Health Department may not be notified or there can be a delay. TCHD continues to work to improve this process. The Health Department extended their apologies for any confusion the announcement may have caused for the Oak Hill Manor community. Oak Hill and Beechtree have gone above and beyond to cooperate with the State and TCHD.

“We send our deepest condolences to the staff who cared for these individuals and the families of those who were lost. We apologize for any confusion our announcement may have caused. The January 20 report was announced prematurely due to miscommunication internally and it has been remedied,” stated Frank Kruppa, Public Health Director.