Family speaks out after mother dies of COVID-19 at Essex Center – WPTZ

There are now three deaths, 23 resident cases, and four staff cases connected to the COVID-19 case surge at the Essex Center nursing facility. A family who lost a loved one to the virus while at the facility spoke out about their mother's passing. The Ryan family is mourning after the loss of their 65-year-old mother died unexpectedly from coronavirus at the Essex Center. The Ryan family spoke to NBC5 about their experience and how they believe the facility could have better handled the situation. "I just want justice for what happened to my mom," said Kyle Ryan.For about six months, Judy Ryan was a resident at Essex Center. Judy's family said their mom was displaying symptoms of coronavirus and had to be put on oxygen. However, the Essex Center told NBC5 Judy showed no signs of symptoms, attributing her death to cardiac issues linked to serve COPD. Judy's family says she never had COPD.Judy Ryan was scheduled for a chest X-ray on Sunday, but it never happened. The Essex Center claims the hospital next door turned Judy away due to high patient volumes, and on Monday morning Judy passed away.Meghan Ryan, daughter of Judy Ryan, expressed her feelings towards the situation. "That chest X-ray never came, there was no testing for COVID even considered at the time, which, to be honest really upsets us, because those were all symptoms of COVID. Whether you think its just a cold or not, in these times, that is not something you can risk."Linda Beers, the Director of Public Health for Essex County, broke down their testing policies. "It is not a requirement at the department of health that residents get tested on a routine basis. Theyre tested based on symptoms and on exposure to staff."The Ryan family said they only found out about their mother having coronavirus by requesting a test be done by the coroner. Since Judy's passing, the Ryan family said they've heard nothing from the Essex Center. Kyle Ryan expressed his frustration with the Essex Center's lack of empathy. "I wouldve at least wanted some kind of, you know, We did what we could, we did what we had to do in our power to take care of your mom and that was not enough and we apologize. But I dont even want to hear that because it sounds like a retort they could just read back to me."The Ryan family would like to see changes at the Essex Center, like rapid testing, and open dialogue from the center to families about results, and more accountability for things like mask-wearing. The Essex Center said they have developed a coronavirus-only section of the building to help control the virus, as well as increased their diligence of front door staff screening. For The Ryan family, remembering "Mom" and her life is just beginning. "She was extraordinary. If there was one word to describe her, extraordinary. She was a one-in-a-million mom," said Kyle.As of Friday night, there are 17 additional tests pending. The Essex County Health Department says at least one of the positive coronavirus cases at the facility is linked to a staff member from downstate New York or another state.Per New York regulations essential workers do not have to quarantine before they begin working.NBC5 will continue to monitor the situation in Essex County and continue to bring any updates as soon as they arise. The following statement was provided by a spokesperson with Essex Center:Prior to Judys passing, it was not known that Covid 19 was in the building as per the latest test results. Judy had a number of underlying conditions as severe COPD and cardiac issues. Upon her passing, since she showed no signs of COVID-19, her death was attributed to cardiac issues. It wasnt until her roommate got sick and then was tested for Covid due to showing signs, that it was concluded by the coroner that she did indeed have Covid-19.With regards to the x-rays the clinical team at Essex Center brought Judy over three times to the hospital next door but were turned away due to a very high volume of patients (please call that hospitals ER). Essex Center wasnt getting test results back from the lab until 7-14 days after administering the tests but none of the residents, including Judy, had shown any signs of Covid-19, as per Essex Centers in-house physician and clinical team. Essex Center is now contracting with a new lab that promises a 72 hour turnaround.Judy was part of our family and the staff are deeply saddened by her passing and our heartfelt deepest condolences go out to her family.

There are now three deaths, 23 resident cases, and four staff cases connected to the COVID-19 case surge at the Essex Center nursing facility.

A family who lost a loved one to the virus while at the facility spoke out about their mother's passing.

The Ryan family is mourning after the loss of their 65-year-old mother died unexpectedly from coronavirus at the Essex Center.

The Ryan family spoke to NBC5 about their experience and how they believe the facility could have better handled the situation.

"I just want justice for what happened to my mom," said Kyle Ryan.

For about six months, Judy Ryan was a resident at Essex Center. Judy's family said their mom was displaying symptoms of coronavirus and had to be put on oxygen.

However, the Essex Center told NBC5 Judy showed no signs of symptoms, attributing her death to cardiac issues linked to serve COPD. Judy's family says she never had COPD.

Judy Ryan was scheduled for a chest X-ray on Sunday, but it never happened.

The Essex Center claims the hospital next door turned Judy away due to high patient volumes, and on Monday morning Judy passed away.

Meghan Ryan, daughter of Judy Ryan, expressed her feelings towards the situation.

"That chest X-ray never came, there was no testing for COVID even considered at the time, which, to be honest really upsets us, because those were all symptoms of COVID. Whether you think its just a cold or not, in these times, that is not something you can risk."

Linda Beers, the Director of Public Health for Essex County, broke down their testing policies. "It is not a requirement at the department of health that residents get tested on a routine basis. Theyre tested based on symptoms and on exposure to staff."

The Ryan family said they only found out about their mother having coronavirus by requesting a test be done by the coroner. Since Judy's passing, the Ryan family said they've heard nothing from the Essex Center.

Kyle Ryan expressed his frustration with the Essex Center's lack of empathy. "I wouldve at least wanted some kind of, you know, We did what we could, we did what we had to do in our power to take care of your mom and that was not enough and we apologize. But I dont even want to hear that because it sounds like a retort they could just read back to me."

The Ryan family would like to see changes at the Essex Center, like rapid testing, and open dialogue from the center to families about results, and more accountability for things like mask-wearing.

The Essex Center said they have developed a coronavirus-only section of the building to help control the virus, as well as increased their diligence of front door staff screening.

For The Ryan family, remembering "Mom" and her life is just beginning.

"She was extraordinary. If there was one word to describe her, extraordinary. She was a one-in-a-million mom," said Kyle.

As of Friday night, there are 17 additional tests pending.

The Essex County Health Department says at least one of the positive coronavirus cases at the facility is linked to a staff member from downstate New York or another state.

Per New York regulations essential workers do not have to quarantine before they begin working.

NBC5 will continue to monitor the situation in Essex County and continue to bring any updates as soon as they arise.

The following statement was provided by a spokesperson with Essex Center:

Prior to Judys passing, it was not known that Covid 19 was in the building as per the latest test results. Judy had a number of underlying conditions as severe COPD and cardiac issues. Upon her passing, since she showed no signs of COVID-19, her death was attributed to cardiac issues. It wasnt until her roommate got sick and then was tested for Covid due to showing signs, that it was concluded by the coroner that she did indeed have Covid-19.

With regards to the x-rays the clinical team at Essex Center brought Judy over three times to the hospital next door but were turned away due to a very high volume of patients (please call that hospitals ER).

Essex Center wasnt getting test results back from the lab until 7-14 days after administering the tests but none of the residents, including Judy, had shown any signs of Covid-19, as per Essex Centers in-house physician and clinical team. Essex Center is now contracting with a new lab that promises a 72 hour turnaround.

Judy was part of our family and the staff are deeply saddened by her passing and our heartfelt deepest condolences go out to her family.

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Family speaks out after mother dies of COVID-19 at Essex Center - WPTZ