Legislators Lorigo, Rath, Todaro, and Mills have introduced a resolution directing the Erie County Health Department to release information related to COVID-19 outbreaks in nursing homes throughout the County.

The resolution directs the health department to release information that identifies when a nursing home suffers a COVID-19 outbreak, the number of individuals at the nursing home that are infected, the number of total nursing home residents, and the suspected source of the outbreak.As of this week, the infection rate in Erie County has jumped to 5 percent and the overall number of hospitalizations and deaths related to COVID-19 have increased.

Minority Leader Lorigo said, “There is no need for secrecy, especially when it’s a matter of sharing public health information. Many other counties in New York State, including Western New York, have been much more transparent with sharing COVID-19 nursing home data than the Erie County Health Department has. Government leaders have a responsibility to provide this information as it affects the people we represent. My colleagues and I are urging the Erie County Health Department to start sharing this information as they should have been throughout the entire pandemic.”

Legislator Rath said, “There have been multiple outbreaks in nursing homes since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The public deserves to know when and where this happens. This information is critical to stopping the spread of the virus in our community. I hope the Erie County Health Department will do the right thing and become more transparent with this data.”

Legislator Todaro said, “Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Erie County Health Department has repeatedly dodged questions about outbreaks in nursing homes despite the fact that it is important information for county residents to have. Our health department should be more transparent with the public. This can be done while respecting the privacy and personal information of those in nursing homes. As case numbers start to go up and we continue to fight the virus, this data needs to be available.”

Legislator Mills said, “Many individuals affected by COVID-19 have been in nursing homes, including here in Erie County. Other counties are more forthcoming with this information and understand the importance of being transparent when it comes to public health. As of this week, we are seeing an increase in case totals. it is time for the health department to do the responsible thing and let people know when a nursing home in our community is affected by an outbreak.”

A copy of the resolution can be viewed here.