Covid-19 cases climb at Westmoreland Manor

Westmoreland officials said Wednesday that five more residents tested positive for coronavirus at the county-owned nursing home in Hempfield.

Cases at Westmoreland Manor have steadily increased since the middle of September and now 117 residents, or more than a third of those who live there, have tested positive. The facility has about 336 residents.

More cases also were identified among staff, bringing the total number of infected employees to 34 since the start of the outbreak.

County officials called in the Pennsylvania National Guard in late September to assist with ongoing testing of residents and staff. Guard members, after a two-week stay, left the Manor last weekend.

A statement issued by county commissioners said most infected Manor residents are either asymptomatic or have experienced just a few effects of the virus. Five residents remained hospitalized as of Wednesday afternoon, officials said.

Since the onset of the current outbreak, three Manor residents have died from complications related to the coronavirus. No additional deaths were reported on Wednesday.