The superintendent of a Massachusetts veteran's home in Holyoke has been removed from his duties after 11 residents died, including at least five who had tested positive for the coronavirus and another five whose results are pending.
Bennett Walsh was placed on paid administrative leave Monday from his role at the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke. The state Department of Veterans Services states another surviving 11 residents have tested positive for the virus, as have five staff members.
Western Mass News reports Western Massachusetts Hospital CEO Val Liptak, RN, will assume responsibility at the facility.
Governor Charlie Baker mourned the “shuddering loss” Monday evening, saying he's “heartbroken.”
As someone who has visited the Holyoke Soldiers' Home on many occasions to catch up with staff and residents, I am heartbroken by today’s news. The loss of these residents to COVID-19 is a shuddering loss for us all.
— Charlie Baker (@MassGovernor) March 31, 2020
Public health experts are at the @HolyokeSOHO conducting a thorough review of the health status of staff and residents to plan appropriate next steps.#COVID19MA
— Charlie Baker (@MassGovernor) March 31, 2020