2 charged for handling of coronavirus outbreak at Holyoke Soldiers’ Home

[Mary Wilson]

By ALANNA DURKIN RICHER AP,
updated on September 25, 2020 | 12:42 PM

BOSTON (AP) — Two former administrators of a Massachusetts veterans home where nearly 80 people sickened by the coronavirus died have been charged for their handling of the outbreak, the state’s attorney general said Friday.

It’s believed to be the first criminal case in the country brought against nursing home officials for actions taken during the pandemic, Attorney General Maura Healey said.

https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2020/09/25/2-charged-for-handling-of-coronavirus-outbreak-at-holyoke-soldiers-home/amp

[Mary Wilson]

Following charges in Holyoke veterans' home case, Mass. AG says other long-term care facilities are under scrutiny

By STEPHANIE BARRY
Published: September 26, 2020

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Tribune News Service) — On the day she announced criminal charges against top officials of the Soldiers' Home in Holyoke, Attorney General Maura Healey said her office is also scrutinizing other long-term care facilities.

“We have an array of criminal and civil options in our office. More to come,” Healey said during an interview with The Republican late Friday afternoon.

... At least 76 veterans died of COVID-19 when the outbreak hit the state-run facility for veterans beginning in March. More were sickened, along with dozens of staff members — including Walsh.

The virus has been particularly devastating in long-term care facilities, with 6,019 deaths as of Sept. 25, according to the state Department of Public Health.

https://www.stripes.com/news/veterans/following-charges-in-holyoke-veterans-home-case-mass-ag-says-other-long-term-care-facilities-are-under-scrutiny-1.646508