Coronavirus: National Guard Mobilized At Easton Care Center

EASTON, MA — The Massachusetts National Guard has been mobilized in Easton after town officials said Friday the Southeast Rehabilitation & Skilled Care Center reported "numerous residents" have tested positive for the new coronavirus. The deployment is part of the new state Department of Public Health pilot program that provides medical support for testing to long-term care facilities during the health crisis.

"The COVID-19 crisis requires that we bring all resources — local, state, and federal — to provide to support our communities and particularly long-term care facilities as their populations are at higher risk," Easton Town Administrator Connor Read said. "Where there have already been confirmed cases of COVID-19 within this facility and dozens of other long-term care facilities around the Commonwealth, we welcome the Massachusetts National Guard to provide this critical support, and we thank Governor (Charlie) Baker's administration for deploying this critical pilot program (Thursday). We want to protect our most vulnerable residents from this deadly disease and we will be monitoring the situation at Southeast Rehabilitation and other long-term care
facilities in town."

Officials said there are several more residents who have been tested for the coronavirus and awaiting results, including some who have been hospitalized with symptoms of the illness.

Easton Public Health Nurse Kristina Flanagan and Emergency Management Director and Fire Chief Kevin Partridge have been working with the facility to help slow the spread of the virus. There's an isolation floor for coronavirus patients and those with symptoms, while others were moved to other floors.

Officials said administration from Southeast Rehabilitation, on Lincoln Street, requested the service of the Massachusetts National Guard and on Friday members of the Guard will mobilize at the facility to conduct COVID-19 testing of residents. Officials said a small number of National Guard members will enter the center, wearing personal protective equipment, and swab the residents. Samples will then be delivered to the state for testing.

"We sincerely hope these efforts will further protect the residents of Southeast Rehabilitation and will hopefully save lives," Chief Partridge said.

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