Source: New York Times
The deaths at the St. Joseph’s Provincial House outside Albany came as the virus surged in New York.
A coronavirus outbreak at a convent near Albany has infected nearly half of its roughly 100 residents, leaving nine sisters dead in December, the convent and local officials said on Sunday.
The outbreak took place in the St. Joseph’s Provincial House in Latham, N.Y., the headquarters of the Albany Province of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. Residents include sisters who are retired and who have long-term health care needs.
Forty-seven residents have been infected since October, according to Sister Joan Mary Hartigan, director of the Albany Province. She said that most have recovered but three are still being treated. She said 21 employees had previously tested positive for the virus and recovered, and five more have mild symptoms and are quarantining at their homes.
Those who died were between 84 and 98 years old.
“We pray the increasing number of cases across our country is temporary, and we mourn the loss not only of our nine sisters who have succumbed to this awful disease, but also the loss of all life during this pandemic around the world,” she said in a statement on Sunday. “We look forward to the vaccine and the end of this worldwide health crisis.”