Two charged in deadly COVID-19 outbreak at Massachusetts veterans' home

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Reuters

SEPTEMBER 25, 202011:00 AM UPDATED AN HOUR AGO

By Reuters Staff

3 MIN READ


(Reuters) - Two people were indicted for their alleged role in a COVID-19 outbreak at a Massachusetts veterans’ home that contributed to the deaths of at least 76 residents, the state’s attorney general announced on Friday.

A grand jury on Thursday indicted superintendent Bennett Walsh and David Clinton, the former medical director of the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke, on charges of criminal neglect related to their work at the facility.

. . .

The move, which was prompted by staffing shortages, placed symptomatic residents, including some who had tested positive for the coronavirus, and asymptomatic residents in close proximity, “increasing the exposure of asymptomatic veterans to the virus,” officials said.

“We believe this is the first criminal case in the country brought against those involved in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Healey told a news conference.

Read more: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-usa-massachusetts/two-charged-in-deadly-covid-19-outbreak-at-massachusetts-veterans-home-idUSKCN26G2HO?rpc=401&

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superintendent Bennett Walsh



Dr. David Clinton, former medical director

[hlthe2b]

1. Truly heart-breaking.

[SaveOurDemocracy]

2. Good! Elderly and disabled veterans (or anyone) relying on these people to see to their...

...care and well being being treated like flotsam, their lives given no value.

If not held accountable it will be our loved ones or even ourselves next.

[groundloop]

3. This story is kind of thin on facts.

It mentions staffing shortages as a reason for how they managed the facility, but nothing else.

In any case our nation is in a sad state of affairs right now, thanks in no small part to neglect from our pResident*.

[yankeepants]

4. Walsh looks like Nunes and Clinton looks like a garden variety Nazi.

[rainin]

5. Convictions, if they happen in a reasonable time, could do more to change behavior

of businesses than political maneuvering or public pressure. At the end of the day, owners and C level types, are risk averse. They don't like the burden of personal responsibility, unless it's for other people.

[keithbvadu2]

6. Acc to Trump, they were losers and old anyway.

Acc to Trump, they were losers and old anyway.

[No Vested Interest]

9. He would describe me that way as well. I'd be toast, or ashes.

Sorry, I'm not ready yet for his trash heap; still have work on earth and responsibilities, even though the body is not so great.

Can't wait until my ballot arrives in early Oct. I'll hand-deliver it to my local Board of Elections to remove 45 asap, and I'll vote Dem the rest of the ticket.

[marble falls]

7. Negligent. Incompetent. Depraved-ly indifferent. Criminal.

[benfranklin1776]

8. Hmmm that describes Agent Orange's handling of the coronavirus to a tee

I think he needs charged as well 🤬

[marble falls]

10. Clear as the huge beak in the middle of my geezer face.

Last edited Sat Sep 26, 2020, 04:28 PM - Edit history (1)

[benfranklin1776]

11. 😹😹 well...

...even if you had such a prominent proboscis you would still be infinitely more handsome than Agent Orange!

This opinion of his criminal culpability is shared by Glenn Kirschner, a former federal prosecutor who handled murder cases in DC. He is calling on state attorney generals to prepare such indictments-a call I heartily echo. This cannot be left to stand 😡

[FakeNoose]

12. Wow! So many nursing homes and elderly care facilities

Holy crap - so many to go after and this is just the beginning. We have several in Pennsylvania that had multiple deaths of patients and employees, and it's still happening right now. Once they're done prosecuting the nursing homes, maybe they'll start going after the schools and universities.

[Maxheader]

13. And hopefully not the last..

“We believe this is the first criminal case in the country brought against those involved in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Healey told a news conference.