Press Releases
08/20/2020
DPH Investigating COVID-19 Outbreak at Three Rivers Nursing Home in Norwich
So far 13 Residents and Two Staff Infected; DPH Looking into Infection Control, Staffing, Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at the Nursing Home
The Connecticut Department of Public Health is investigating a COVID-19 outbreak at Three Rivers Nursing Home in Norwich, CT that so far has resulted in the infections of 13 residents and two staff members. One resident has since died, and several are hospitalized.
“This unfortunate outbreak underscores the need for all of us to keep our guard up in the fight against COVID-19,” said Acting DPH Commissioner Deidre S. Gifford, MD MPH. “COVID is still present in our communities and the virus can spread quickly if we do not remain vigilant about controlling the infection. DPH is conducting an analysis to determine how the virus may have been introduced into Three Rivers, and we are investigating all aspects of this facility’s infection control practices, including appropriate cohorting, PPE use by staff, and appropriate staff screening.”
As part of the investigation, DPH also is assessing the facility’s level of compliance with the Governor’s Executive Order 7AAA, which mandates weekly testing for all nursing home staff. The state’s weekly staff testing mandate is an important tool for preventing and managing COVID-19 outbreaks in nursing homes.
Any citations that may be issued to this facility after a thorough investigation will be posted online.