Staff at DMHAS test positive for COVID-19

MIDDLETOWN — The Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services has announced a cluster of staff at the Middletown campus has tested positive for COVID-19 over the past week.

Connecticut Valley Hospital, Whiting Forensic Hospital and River Valley Services are DMHAS facilities located on the Middletown campus where the affected staff are employed, according to a press release.

“We are committed to maintaining healthy and safe facilities, and have taken significant steps to protect clients and staff. My thoughts are with all who have been affected, and I wish them a quick and full recovery,” DMHAS Commissioner Miriam DelphinRittmon said in a prepared statement. “We will continue to work with the Department of Public Health to ensure compliance with best practices, prevent illness and avoid exposure to the virus.”

Those who tested positive most recently include six staff at CVH, two at Whiting and one at River Valley Services. One new patient at CVH tested positive as well, the release said. The uptick in positive cases reflects similar increases in the state.

Cumulative laboratory confirmed cases at DMHAS facilities, from March 1, follow. They are listed by inpatients, followed by all staff.

Connecticut Valley Hospital: 64, 58

Whiting Forensic Hospital: 10, 25

Capitol Regional Mental Health Center: 0, 5

Connecticut Mental Health Center: 0, 11 River Valley Services: 0, 5 Southeast Mental Health Authority: 0, 2

Southwest Connecticut Mental Health System: 3, 14

Western Connecticut Mental Health Network: 0, 6

Total: 77 inpatients; 126 staff