Berks County Commissioner Chair Christian Leinbach announced that an 87-year-old female resident on the dementia unit, Essex Commons, has died of COVID-19. The resident had displayed symptoms on April 16th and tested positive on April 17, 2020, passing away the same day.
“The Berks County Commissioners offer their condolences to the family and friends of the first Berks Heim resident to die as a result of the COVID-19 virus. Very sad to see this happen” the commissioners said in a joint statement.
“The sad reality of this virus is that some people, primarily the elderly and those with underlying conditions will die.” Leinbach stated. “That truth doesn’t make the loss any easier for family or friends and our prayers are with the family of this lady.”
Berks Heim continues to take precautions including monitoring of temperatures, symptoms, and following recommended guidelines to restrict access as necessary based on CDC.
All staff are wearing isolation/surgical masks which serve the purpose of protecting staff and residents from the wearer should he/she be asymptomatic while carrying the virus. Residents always remain on their nursing units and in their rooms as much as possible.
All needed services continue to be provided to the residents. New residents to the facility are being admitted only after an extensive review and approval process. New residents are admitted to a specific area to be quarantined for 14 days.
As of April 18th, 3 Berks Heim residents have tested positive for COVID-19.
