Rutland nursing home outbreak rises

By Emma Cotton/VTDigger

As of Tuesday, Nov. 17, 26 residents and 12 staff members have tested positive for Covid-19 at Rutland Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, according Richard Feifer, the nursing home’s chief medical officer.

At Friday’s regular press conference held by Gov. Phil Scott, state officials said four of the 19 residents have been hospitalized. As of Thursday, Nov. 19, there have been two deaths.

Positive cases ticked up at the facility this week, part of rising caseloads across the state. Combined patient and staff positive cases at the facility began with nine cases on Tuesday, then increased to 12 cases on Wednesday. On Thursday, 17 cases were reported.

The center is beginning to experience a staffing shortage. Owned by Genesis HealthCare, which operates facilities around the country, Rutland Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center is able to toggle staff between centers to manage the decrease in staff.

“Additional staff has been brought in to temporarily support the center during this difficult time,” Feifer said. “Rutland Health and Rehabilitation is affiliated with a large national organization, so they are able to pull in resources from other centers and through Genesis HealthCare’s own staffing agency.”

Outside the center on Friday, posters with supportive messages hung on a ramp that leads to the building’s back entrance.

“RHR Strong,” one read. Another said, “Covid Warriors, Keep fighting, you will win this battle.”