Byrnes Demands Immediate Avon Intervention

Assemblywoman Marjorie Byrnes (R,C-Caledonia) is again demanding immediate intervention in Hurlbut’s Avon Nursing and Rehabilitation from Gov. Cuomo and the New York state Department of Health. Byrnes previously called for universal testing of staff and residents at the facility as well as an investigation by the state attorney general.

In an uptick from last week, there are now 18 positive resident cases of COVID-19, up from13. There have been two more resident deaths, increasing the total to four. With only 28 residents currently in this small facility, every person’s health is subject to dangerous conditions.

“The situation at Avon Nursing and Rehabilitation is dire,” said Byrnes. “I called for an investigation and immediate testing of residents and staff on April 29 to discover the extent of the health crisis and to create an action plan to protect everyone in the facility. Since then, I have not heard a word from the attorney general’s office nor the state Department of Health. Instead, there have been more positive cases and more deaths. While residents have been tested, many staff members still have not been. There is no other option than to keep calling on the governor and Department of Health until action is taken. The situation is escalating.”