Updated: 4/14/20 - 5:21 P.M.
ITHACA, NY (WSKG) - New York 23rd District Congressman Tom Reed said on Tuesday that he is in contact with Steuben County officials about the outbreak of COVID-19 in nursing homes in the county.
Steuben County has reported 16 deaths related to the virus, some of which have been nursing home residents.*
Reed said he and his staff are trying to help broker communication between the state and local officials to get needed protective equipment for nursing home staff.
"We are continuing to see whatever we can do in order to get them the necessary equipment so their workers are safe and the patients are attended to and we get this outbreak contained as quick as possible," Reed said.
Staff at one nursing home have told WSKG that they were ordered to wear the same PPE throughout a shift and when caring for different patients.
New York’s 23rd congressional district includes Hornell, Elmira and Owego.
*This story has been updated to reflect two more COVID-19 related deaths reported on Tuesday.