OXFORD - Wednesday, the Chenango County Department of Health notified the public of the first two COVID-19 deaths in the county.

The Chenango County Director of Environmental Health, Isaiah Sutton, stated in the notice, “It is with heavy hearts that we are reporting the first COVID 19 deaths in Chenango County. Our sympathies and condolences go out to their family and friends at this difficult time. We also want to use this moment to urge all residents to remain vigilant in the protection of themselves and each other through the use of social distancing, good hygiene and staying home.”

According to Sutton, one death took place about a week ago and the other was a few days ago. Sutton stated that there were some issues with how facilities were reporting information and who they were reporting it to, which caused a delay in the department of health receiving notice of the deaths.

Administrator for the New York State Veterans Home in Oxford, Kurt Apthorpe, published a notice on Monday stating the nursing facility has lost two residents to COVID-19.

“It saddens me to report that two residents with the virus have passed away. On behalf of myself and the entire staff of the Veterans Home, our condolences go out to their families,” said Apthorpe.

As of Monday, the 242 bed facility has had 18 confirmed cases of the virus. Any resident with a confirmed case is being moved to the left wing of the Pine Neighborhood. As residents recover and no longer exhibit symptoms, the Veterans Home is following Department of Health protocols and having the resident remain in isolation for an additional 14 days.

“The Veterans Home staff continue to aggressively treat and care for those residents with the virus,” said Apthorpe. “The Veterans Home’s strict infection control policies and adherence to guidelines for the usage of personal protective equipment are monitored and enforced to help control the spread of the virus. All staff are wearing eye shields with their medical grade face masks when within 6 feet of a resident. We are also actively encouraging residents to wear face masks when being cared for and whenever they must leave their rooms.”

The Veterans Home has also modified residents mealtime to prevent the spread of the virus. The facility is following social distancing practices by arranging the dining rooms seating so that everyone is at least 10 feet apart from each other. They have also started a resident room service meal program to accommodate residents who wish to dine in their room.

“We are working on ways to keep residents informed and to provide positive encouragement to all during this difficult time,” said Apthorpe.

As of Thursday Morning, the Department of Health reported a third COVID-19 death. Details about the third death are still unknown at this time.