The below is a statement from Sussex County Freeholder Anthony Fasano:

As the liaison to The Sussex County Division of Health (SCDOH), I have been regularly briefed of the tragic health crisis at Andover Subacute and Rehabilitation Center, and the Division’s work with The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) and Andover staff in striving to prevent needless loss of life and the spread of COVID-19 in this facility. The NJDOH is the entity directly responsible for monitoring, inspecting, and investigating this privately-owned, state-licensed long-term care facility within Sussex County that is currently home to hundreds of some of our most vulnerable residents.

As outlined below, the County has exhausted all of its feasible options, and I am deeply concerned that The State of New Jersey is not doing enough to address this ongoing health crisis within the Andover Subacute and Rehabilitation Center.

The SCDOH has corresponded with state officials more than 30 times over the last 30 days regarding this facility. They’ve also filed complaints with the NJDOH and alerted state officials of “whistleblower” complaints by facility residents, staff, and/or family members. The SCDOH has spoken with the State Ombudsman’s Office and has advised the Sussex County Prosecutor of allegations which were ultimately acted upon by the Andover Township Police Department. The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Management has delivered approximately 30,000 items of personal protective equipment to this facility as well. Sussex County has followed all NJDOH procedures and guidelines while alerting state and federal officials about critical needs within this facility that required urgent, immediate action. There is nothing that indicates to me that this is still not the case today.

The State of New Jersey has acknowledged its role in this crisis and has taken some steps to remediate. The NJDOH has prohibited this facility from admitting new patients and has ordered the facility to retain an infection control expert along with other key consultants. The county is also aware of reports that the state has sent survey teams and has requested corrective action from the facility.

Despite consistent alerts from county officials to state officials, clearly expressing the urgency and magnitude of this crisis, it has been met with a state response that has been insufficient in resolving it. There are residents in this facility who cannot speak for themselves and need urgent assistance. There are lives on the line as we are running out of time and options. Because of this, I am asking the Freeholder Board to formally request the assistance of The National Guard to provide critical protocols, staffing, and resources to the Andover Subacute and Rehabilitation Center.