Legislators Lorigo, Rath, Todaro, and Mills 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 received the unanimous support of the Erie County Legislature Thursday afternoon.

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, “I am proud to have the support of my colleagues in passing this resolution. We are sending a message to the County Executive and Health Department that secrecy is unacceptable when it comes to public health.  The community has a right to know where these outbreaks occur, and that information can be shared while protecting individuals’ privacy. Many counties across New York State have been sharing this data and it’s time for Erie County to follow suit.”

Legislator Rath said, “Transparency is key. I am glad this common sense resolution was passed unanimously in the Erie County Legislature. If we are going to help stop the spread of COVID-19 on a local level—it is imperative that we know where a good chunk of those cases are coming from.”

Legislator Todaro said, “Transparency is important especially when we are dealing with a public health crisis. As case numbers continue to rise and hospitalizations increase, data regarding nursing home outbreaks needs to be made available. I am glad my colleagues in the Legislature support this resolution and I hope the health department will do the right thing and begin sharing this important information.”

Legislator Mills said, “The public has a right to this information—especially families who have loved ones in nursing homes.  As public officials, it is so important to be as open and transparent as we possibly can. If we are going to work to put an end to the COVID-19 pandemic, people have a right to know when and where there is an outbreak. There is no real, logical reason to keep that information private. Passing this resolution is undoubtedly a step in the right direction.”

A copy of the resolution can be viewed here.