NORTHFIELD — Men and women wearing a different kind of uniform are now walking the halls of a local nursing home. A 10-member New Jersey National Guard strike team was deployed Monday to Meadowview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Northfield.
Gov. Phil Murphy announced Jan. 6 that the National Guard would be deploying to long-term care facilities throughout the state to assist with COVID-19 response efforts and augment facilities’ staff.
He said the deployment is an extension of Joint Task Force COVID Guardian, which has provided assistance since the first weeks of the pandemic.
“Time and time again, the New Jersey National Guard has stepped up to the plate throughout this pandemic,” Murphy stated in a news release. “This deployment will send members of our National Guard to long-term care facilities with staffing needs and will act to protect the health and safety of long-term-care residents while the Omicron variant surges throughout the nation.”
First District Assemblyman Erik Simonsen said County Commissioner Jeffrey Pierson, liaison to the Health Department, reported no strike teams would be sent to Cape May County nursing homes at this time.
According to Atlantic County spokeswoman Linda Gilmore, Meadowview is one of several long-term care facilities in the state to receive assistance.
“Like many long-term care facilities across the state, Meadowview has been seeing an increase in staff and residents affected by the rapid spread of the Omicron variant,” Gilmore said. “We currently have a number of residents and staff who have tested positive or have been exposed by contact. The state offered its assistance with the deployment of the National Guard and the county executive accepted in consultation with our public health and Meadowview staff. Extra hands are always appreciated.”
Northfield Mayor Erland Chau said he is aware of the challenges the county is facing with staffing, calling Meadowview a “wonderful facility.”
The National Guard strike team will be available for at least seven days and possibly longer if needed.
“Our health care workers have worked tirelessly throughout this pandemic,” County Executive Dennis Levinson stated in a news release. “Exposures and outbreaks are currently impacting our staff and residents, so we welcome the support of the National Guard at this time.”
Strike team members may help assist residents with daily hygiene activities, getting out of bed, dressing, walking and feeding. They also will be able to “buddy up” with Meadowview staff to provide additional assistance.
“Like many organizations and businesses, the county has been impacted by surges in COVID-19 cases due to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant. We have several residents and staff at Meadowview who have either tested positive or been exposed by contact, leaving us short-staffed at this time,” Gilmore said. “We regularly test staff and have been following all CDC and state health guidance and protocols. Every county in the state is currently experiencing a very high level of COVID-19 activity. Having 10 additional people on hand to supplement our staff will be very beneficial.”
By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff
