Lutheran Home at Hollidaysburg reports 52 coronavirus cases

27 residents, 25 staff members positive since July 31

The Lutheran Home at Hollidaysburg has reported that a total of 52 residents and staff members have tested positive for COVID-19 since July 31. 

"Like many other nursing homes throughout our region, The Lutheran Home at Hollidaysburg has cases of COVID-19," Allegheny Lutheran Social Ministries spokesperson Andrea Schurr said in a news release.

In an email, Schurr said the home has reported the cases -- 27 residents and 25 staff members -- to the state Department of Health. The cases have decreased since the reporting and, as of Wednesday, there were no new cases, Schurr said. 

The home's first reported case was on July 31, she said, while the last positive tests were of six staff members and six residents on Aug. 20. Those residents have all recovered. In addition, Schurr said all staff members except one have recovered. The staff member who is not fully recovered remains at home, she added.

Schurr said the home "gratefully accepted the offer made by the PA Department of Health and the PA National Guard to assist our staff, who have worked and continue to work diligently to fulfill our mission of service, in caring for our residents during this challenging time."

The home will continue to follow the precautions and guidance recommended by its regulating bodies and by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

"Our building, like all skilled nursing homes, has been on lockdown since the onset of the virus," Schurr said, adding that visitors are not permitted at this time.

Although the home does not anticipate any new resident or staff cases, Schurr said the home is awaiting the results of resident and staff testing that was completed this week in compliance with Health Department mandates.

"We are prepared to deal appropriately with any cases the test results reveal," she stated.

Schurr said ALSM applied for the Hazard Pay Grant but was not awarded the funding and is now "exploring other options." 

The Wolf Administration created the Hazard Pay Grant Program to help employers provide pay to employees in life-sustaining occupations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hazard pay means additional pay for performing hazardous duty or work involving physical hardship, in each case that is related to COVID-19, according to the program's webpage. The program is funded by the CARES Act. 

On Monday, Pennsylvania National Guard members began helping the Home with "supportive services," including dining services, laundry and housekeeping, according to Schurr. Two of the 14 guardsmen are nurses, according to Guard spokesman Brad Rhen. 

Rhen said the Guard has been assisting care facilities that have faced staff shortages. Guard members are scheduled to complete their work with the home on Friday. 

"We are in communication with residents and their families and are appreciative for the assistance that is being provided by the PA Department of Health, the PA National Guard and the support of our community," Schurr said in the news release.