COVID Positive Tests at Willow Point/ Broome Winds Down Vax Clinics

There is mixed news for Broome County in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

While the County is holding its last clinics at the SUNY Broome Community College Ice Rink for the COVID-19 vaccine second doses, closing the “POD”, word is also coming of a set-back at Willow Point Nursing Home.

Several reports have said the facility has cancelled indoor visitation in favor of outdoor visits only following several positive tests for COVID-19 at the county-owned nursing and rehabilitation center.

A resident of the Vestal home tested positive at an area hospital the week of May 24 while a staff member, who was not showing symptoms, also tested positive.

The on-going surveillance testing at the nursing home days later returned ten additional positive results with none of those people exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19.  At least eight of those testing positive were reported to have received the vaccine.

Vaccinated people can still be infected with the coronavirus but are generally considered protected against serious illness.

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With positive cases at the home, no normal visitation will be allowed until there are 14 straight days with no positive test results.

Meanwhile, demand for vaccinations has continued to drop off, so Broome County is winding down operations at the “Point of Distribution” or “POD” at BCC.  There are no new vaccination clinics now scheduled and the county is finishing the sessions administering second doses.

Officials say there may be smaller clinics in the future at the Health Department on Front Street, Binghamton and pop-up clinics around the community will be scheduled.

New York State is still operating its vaccination site in Johnson City. That site is scheduling appointments but is also accepting walk-ins.  Vaccinations are free and the Pfizer vaccine that is approved for residents aged 12-17 is available at that location on CFJ Boulevard next to the Johnson City Walmart.