First COVID-19 Death at Samaritan Long-Term Care Facility

Published on: December 28, 2020

Samaritan Health today announced the first COVID-19-related death at one of its two long-term care facilities since the onset of the pandemic in March 2020.

The resident, who was cared for in Samaritan Summit Village’s skilled nursing facility, first tested positive for the virus on December 20 and later was hospitalized. As with many of our skilled nursing residents, this person did have several underlying health conditions.

“On behalf of our entire organization, we extend our deepest condolences to the resident’s family,” said Barbara E. Morrow, Vice President of Long-Term Care, Samaritan Summit Village and Samaritan Keep Home. “The rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine to our residents and staff in the coming days offers great hope there may be a light at the end of the tunnel, but today’s announcement is a stark reminder regarding the heavy toll this pandemic is taking throughout the U.S., particularly for our senior population.”

Residents and staff at Samaritan Summit Village and Samaritan Keep Home will be offered the COVID-19 vaccine through our partnership with Walgreens starting January 4 and January 5, respectively. 

Samaritan Health places the health and safety of our residents and staff above all else. We will continue diligent efforts to prevent the spread of this virus in our facilities, following all NYSDOH directives for testing, contact tracing, safety equipment precautions, staff screening and close monitoring, and frequent temperature checks for all residents.