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They Survived the Worst Battles of World War II. And Died of the Virus. They Survived the Worst Battles of World War II. And Died of the Virus.
(3 days later)
HOLYOKE, Mass. — In 1945, James Leach Miller returned from the war and said nothing.HOLYOKE, Mass. — In 1945, James Leach Miller returned from the war and said nothing.
He said nothing about it to his wife, not for 64 years of marriage. He folded up his Army uniform, with the medals still pinned to it, and put it in the basement, where his older boy would sometimes take it out to play soldiers.He said nothing about it to his wife, not for 64 years of marriage. He folded up his Army uniform, with the medals still pinned to it, and put it in the basement, where his older boy would sometimes take it out to play soldiers.
He joined the fire department. He went to church on Sundays. He never complained.He joined the fire department. He went to church on Sundays. He never complained.
“That generation, they didn’t air their problems,” said his younger son, Michael. “He would say, ‘It was not a good time. I’ve had better times.’ He would not embellish.”“That generation, they didn’t air their problems,” said his younger son, Michael. “He would say, ‘It was not a good time. I’ve had better times.’ He would not embellish.”
Mr. Miller was already in his 70s when he began to tell Michael, an Air Force flight engineer, little bits about landing on Omaha Beach on D-Day. “Fragments would come out,” his son said. The deafening roar as they waited for the beach to clear, crowded into a landing ship with other 21-year-olds. A blur that lasted 24 hours. The buzz-drone of Messerschmitts. Dust clouds. Mud.Mr. Miller was already in his 70s when he began to tell Michael, an Air Force flight engineer, little bits about landing on Omaha Beach on D-Day. “Fragments would come out,” his son said. The deafening roar as they waited for the beach to clear, crowded into a landing ship with other 21-year-olds. A blur that lasted 24 hours. The buzz-drone of Messerschmitts. Dust clouds. Mud.
Michael once offered to take him back to Normandy — World War II veterans were making the journey — but his father shook his head and said, “I’ve been there once.”Michael once offered to take him back to Normandy — World War II veterans were making the journey — but his father shook his head and said, “I’ve been there once.”
This story comes up for a reason. Mr. Miller, 96, who survived what was for Americans the bloodiest battle of World War II, died of complications from the coronavirus on March 30 inside the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home. The virus has spread in more than 40 veterans’ homes in more than 20 states, leading to the deaths of at least 300 people.This story comes up for a reason. Mr. Miller, 96, who survived what was for Americans the bloodiest battle of World War II, died of complications from the coronavirus on March 30 inside the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home. The virus has spread in more than 40 veterans’ homes in more than 20 states, leading to the deaths of at least 300 people.
The conditions inside the 247-bed, state-run home, where Mr. Miller had lived for five years, were so chaotic that his children cannot recount them without breaking down.The conditions inside the 247-bed, state-run home, where Mr. Miller had lived for five years, were so chaotic that his children cannot recount them without breaking down.
When Mr. Miller lay weak and gasping that weekend, his two daughters, in a car in the parking lot, pleaded with a nurse on duty over an iPhone to give him morphine or atropine to relieve his suffering. “She said, ‘we can’t do it,’ and she started to cry,” said his daughter Linda McKee. “There was no one there giving orders.”When Mr. Miller lay weak and gasping that weekend, his two daughters, in a car in the parking lot, pleaded with a nurse on duty over an iPhone to give him morphine or atropine to relieve his suffering. “She said, ‘we can’t do it,’ and she started to cry,” said his daughter Linda McKee. “There was no one there giving orders.”
Michael Miller, at his father’s bedside, did the only thing he could do — moistened his lips with a sponge on a wooden stick.Michael Miller, at his father’s bedside, did the only thing he could do — moistened his lips with a sponge on a wooden stick.
“At that point, he was choking,” Ms. McKee said. “He died with no care whatsoever.”“At that point, he was choking,” Ms. McKee said. “He died with no care whatsoever.”
The question of what went wrong at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home will be with Massachusetts for a long time.The question of what went wrong at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home will be with Massachusetts for a long time.
With scarce protective gear and a shortage of staff, the facility’s administrators combined wards of infected and uninfected men, and the virus spread quickly through a fragile population.With scarce protective gear and a shortage of staff, the facility’s administrators combined wards of infected and uninfected men, and the virus spread quickly through a fragile population.
Of the 210 veterans who were living in the facility in late March, 89 are now dead, 74 having tested positive for the virus. Almost three-quarters of the veterans inside were infected. It is one of the highest death tolls of any end-of-life facility in the country.Of the 210 veterans who were living in the facility in late March, 89 are now dead, 74 having tested positive for the virus. Almost three-quarters of the veterans inside were infected. It is one of the highest death tolls of any end-of-life facility in the country.
Multiple investigations have been opened, several of which seek to determine whether state officials should be charged with negligence under civil or criminal law. The facility’s superintendent, Bennett Walsh, a retired Marine Corps lieutenant colonel with no nursing home experience, was placed on administrative leave on March 30.Multiple investigations have been opened, several of which seek to determine whether state officials should be charged with negligence under civil or criminal law. The facility’s superintendent, Bennett Walsh, a retired Marine Corps lieutenant colonel with no nursing home experience, was placed on administrative leave on March 30.
But many in the state are revisiting decisions made since 2015, when a moderate, technocratic Republican governor, Charlie Baker, was elected on a promise to rein in spending.But many in the state are revisiting decisions made since 2015, when a moderate, technocratic Republican governor, Charlie Baker, was elected on a promise to rein in spending.
The facility’s budget increased by 14 percent over the last five years, according to a spokesman for the state’s health department. Even so, there were persistent shortfalls in staffing, and the local unions complained that workers were frequently pressured to stay for unplanned double shifts. The facility’s previous superintendent stepped down in 2015, declaring that the home could not safely care for the population on the existing budget.The facility’s budget increased by 14 percent over the last five years, according to a spokesman for the state’s health department. Even so, there were persistent shortfalls in staffing, and the local unions complained that workers were frequently pressured to stay for unplanned double shifts. The facility’s previous superintendent stepped down in 2015, declaring that the home could not safely care for the population on the existing budget.
All this was well known before the coronavirus arrived in the state this spring, said Erin O’Brien, an associate professor of political science at the University of Massachusetts, Boston.All this was well known before the coronavirus arrived in the state this spring, said Erin O’Brien, an associate professor of political science at the University of Massachusetts, Boston.
“All these regular Massachusetts folks that are now outraged, I don’t disagree, but veterans’ programs require funding,” she said. “When you vote to shrink government, it has ramifications.”“All these regular Massachusetts folks that are now outraged, I don’t disagree, but veterans’ programs require funding,” she said. “When you vote to shrink government, it has ramifications.”
In 1952, young men were returning to the industrial towns of western Massachusetts after serving in World War II. They were kids from poor families. And they were damaged: shellshocked, learning to live without limbs, unable to communicate what they had seen.In 1952, young men were returning to the industrial towns of western Massachusetts after serving in World War II. They were kids from poor families. And they were damaged: shellshocked, learning to live without limbs, unable to communicate what they had seen.
It was to these men that Gov. Paul Dever, who had fought in the war himself, dedicated the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home, promising to protect injured veterans from what he called “the scissors of false economy.”It was to these men that Gov. Paul Dever, who had fought in the war himself, dedicated the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home, promising to protect injured veterans from what he called “the scissors of false economy.”
Fifteen thousand people lined the streets for that day’s parade, and the facility — built on a hill and illuminated with floodlights — became a source of great pride in this part of the state.Fifteen thousand people lined the streets for that day’s parade, and the facility — built on a hill and illuminated with floodlights — became a source of great pride in this part of the state.
The men in its wards had some stories.The men in its wards had some stories.
There was Emilio DiPalma, a retired crane operator, who died of the coronavirus on April 8.There was Emilio DiPalma, a retired crane operator, who died of the coronavirus on April 8.
At 19, an Army staff sergeant, Mr. DiPalma had guarded Hermann Goering, the driving force behind the Nazi concentration camps, during the Nuremberg trials. Mr. DiPalma called him “Hermann the German.” They didn’t get along.At 19, an Army staff sergeant, Mr. DiPalma had guarded Hermann Goering, the driving force behind the Nazi concentration camps, during the Nuremberg trials. Mr. DiPalma called him “Hermann the German.” They didn’t get along.
In his memoir, “Just a Kid, A Guard at the Nuremberg Trials,” Mr. DiPalma recalled Goering as arrogant and uncooperative, often berating him in rapid-fire German. Goering used to ask his young guard to bring him cups of water, which Mr. DiPalma poured out of a chlorinated pouch.In his memoir, “Just a Kid, A Guard at the Nuremberg Trials,” Mr. DiPalma recalled Goering as arrogant and uncooperative, often berating him in rapid-fire German. Goering used to ask his young guard to bring him cups of water, which Mr. DiPalma poured out of a chlorinated pouch.
Goering hated the taste of it, and would grimace and hand it back, remarking “Bah, Amerikanisch.” After a few rounds of this, “I had had it with Hermann’s antics,” Mr. DiPalma said.Goering hated the taste of it, and would grimace and hand it back, remarking “Bah, Amerikanisch.” After a few rounds of this, “I had had it with Hermann’s antics,” Mr. DiPalma said.
So the next time, Mr. DiPalma brought him a cup of water from the toilet. Mr. Goering drank it down, and said, “Ah, gute wasser!”So the next time, Mr. DiPalma brought him a cup of water from the toilet. Mr. Goering drank it down, and said, “Ah, gute wasser!”
“He smiled, and so did I,” Mr. DiPalma wrote. “I guess I felt it was my little contribution to the war effort.”“He smiled, and so did I,” Mr. DiPalma wrote. “I guess I felt it was my little contribution to the war effort.”
There was Sam Lococo, a retired postal worker, who contracted coronavirus and died April 16.There was Sam Lococo, a retired postal worker, who contracted coronavirus and died April 16.
At 20, Mr. Lococo had joined the Navy and shipped out to the South Pacific. He lived in fear of attacks by Japanese kamikaze pilots. And at the same time, he was part of a team that sent out whaleboats to rescue these pilots after they had crashed into the Pacific.At 20, Mr. Lococo had joined the Navy and shipped out to the South Pacific. He lived in fear of attacks by Japanese kamikaze pilots. And at the same time, he was part of a team that sent out whaleboats to rescue these pilots after they had crashed into the Pacific.
In an interview with a local historian, he recalled looking into the face of one of those battered and half-drowned men, and seeing terror.In an interview with a local historian, he recalled looking into the face of one of those battered and half-drowned men, and seeing terror.
“The Japanese had been taught that the Americans were savages, so probably he was afraid of us,” he said. “He kept saying in English, ‘You are going to kill me. You are going to kill me.’” They pulled him from the sea, dressed his wounds in the sick bay, and transferred him to the U.S.S. Lexington.“The Japanese had been taught that the Americans were savages, so probably he was afraid of us,” he said. “He kept saying in English, ‘You are going to kill me. You are going to kill me.’” They pulled him from the sea, dressed his wounds in the sick bay, and transferred him to the U.S.S. Lexington.
And this was the point of the story. “We treated that pilot like a king,” Mr. Lococo said.And this was the point of the story. “We treated that pilot like a king,” Mr. Lococo said.
Then there were those like Mr. Miller, who didn’t talk about the war.Then there were those like Mr. Miller, who didn’t talk about the war.
“As far as his service, what he encountered in Europe, I really am at a loss, ma’am,” said his oldest son, James P. Miller. “Dad probably just didn’t want to talk about it. It was past.”“As far as his service, what he encountered in Europe, I really am at a loss, ma’am,” said his oldest son, James P. Miller. “Dad probably just didn’t want to talk about it. It was past.”
But from time to time, he startled the people around him with his swift, instinctive response to crisis, James Miller said.But from time to time, he startled the people around him with his swift, instinctive response to crisis, James Miller said.
There was a time when a lawn-mower blade flew off an engine in the shop where he worked, and sliced into a man’s leg so deeply that the other workers started screaming and ran out, but Jim went to the hurt man and bound him up, in his quiet way.There was a time when a lawn-mower blade flew off an engine in the shop where he worked, and sliced into a man’s leg so deeply that the other workers started screaming and ran out, but Jim went to the hurt man and bound him up, in his quiet way.
Michael recalls sitting with his father and a V.A. psychologist screening him for signs of post-traumatic stress disorder. “She said, so what do you do if you’re reading the newspaper and you see something that upsets you? He said, ‘I turn the page and I read the funny papers.’”Michael recalls sitting with his father and a V.A. psychologist screening him for signs of post-traumatic stress disorder. “She said, so what do you do if you’re reading the newspaper and you see something that upsets you? He said, ‘I turn the page and I read the funny papers.’”
Only once, in fact, did he see his father overcome with emotion about the war.Only once, in fact, did he see his father overcome with emotion about the war.
It was in the 1990s, and Jim Miller learned for the first time that there were people who denied that the Holocaust had occurred. And Mr. Miller — a man who never got upset about anything — was as angry as his son had ever seen him. “It’s like he had a hot-point button,” Michael said.It was in the 1990s, and Jim Miller learned for the first time that there were people who denied that the Holocaust had occurred. And Mr. Miller — a man who never got upset about anything — was as angry as his son had ever seen him. “It’s like he had a hot-point button,” Michael said.
Mr. Miller dug out a box of old photos, and drove them to a small Holocaust museum in Springfield, which eventually sent them to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C.Mr. Miller dug out a box of old photos, and drove them to a small Holocaust museum in Springfield, which eventually sent them to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C.
They showed corpses lined up in front of the Nordhausen concentration camp. It showed other things. Boxcars. Ovens. Bones.They showed corpses lined up in front of the Nordhausen concentration camp. It showed other things. Boxcars. Ovens. Bones.
“He wanted people to remember,” Michael said. “I think, having lived through all the physical issues, the psychological issues, if someone says it never really happened, he was like, ‘Oh, my gosh, you folks, you have no idea.’”“He wanted people to remember,” Michael said. “I think, having lived through all the physical issues, the psychological issues, if someone says it never really happened, he was like, ‘Oh, my gosh, you folks, you have no idea.’”
Updated June 5, 2020Updated June 5, 2020
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
Mr. Miller’s children had worried about the Soldiers’ Home, enough to request repeated private meetings with its superintendent, Mr. Walsh. The trouble, they said, was staffing.Mr. Miller’s children had worried about the Soldiers’ Home, enough to request repeated private meetings with its superintendent, Mr. Walsh. The trouble, they said, was staffing.
“When you live through those cuts, and have someone physically there, you feel it every day,” Ms. McKee said.“When you live through those cuts, and have someone physically there, you feel it every day,” Ms. McKee said.
“They were trying to do their jobs,” she said of the staff, “they just didn’t have the means.”“They were trying to do their jobs,” she said of the staff, “they just didn’t have the means.”
The home had passed three successive yearly inspections, meeting or provisionally meeting the standards set by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. But the union representing most of the staff, Chapter 888 of S.E.I.U., warned persistently that the facility was operating at 80 percent staffing levels..The home had passed three successive yearly inspections, meeting or provisionally meeting the standards set by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. But the union representing most of the staff, Chapter 888 of S.E.I.U., warned persistently that the facility was operating at 80 percent staffing levels..
By March 14, the home was closed to most visitors, like most nursing facilities in the state. A man in a dementia unit began showing symptoms, declining so fast that it alarmed Joseph Ramirez, the vice chair of the union chapter.By March 14, the home was closed to most visitors, like most nursing facilities in the state. A man in a dementia unit began showing symptoms, declining so fast that it alarmed Joseph Ramirez, the vice chair of the union chapter.
“We’re used to seeing death, we know what it looks like when it comes, but I was in shock, I was just like, ‘Oh, my god,’” he said. The man was not fully isolated, and staff who treated him were rotated to other units. “What they had us doing, we were spreading it around,” he said.“We’re used to seeing death, we know what it looks like when it comes, but I was in shock, I was just like, ‘Oh, my god,’” he said. The man was not fully isolated, and staff who treated him were rotated to other units. “What they had us doing, we were spreading it around,” he said.
By the third week of March, a quarter of the staff was not reporting to work, Mr. Walsh has said through his lawyer. To accommodate the low staffing, medical staff decided to consolidate two units, crowding together infected and uninfected veterans.By the third week of March, a quarter of the staff was not reporting to work, Mr. Walsh has said through his lawyer. To accommodate the low staffing, medical staff decided to consolidate two units, crowding together infected and uninfected veterans.
Mr. Walsh has said his superiors approved that decision, and were routinely updated on the distress the facility was in. He said he had called for help from the National Guard, but been refused.Mr. Walsh has said his superiors approved that decision, and were routinely updated on the distress the facility was in. He said he had called for help from the National Guard, but been refused.
“No one was kept in the dark,” he said in a statement.“No one was kept in the dark,” he said in a statement.
Gov. Baker has said little about these assertions, citing an ongoing investigation.Gov. Baker has said little about these assertions, citing an ongoing investigation.
Brooke Karanovich, a spokeswoman for the state Executive Office of Health and Human services, called the deaths at the Soldiers’ Home “a reminder of the insidious nature of Covid-19.”Brooke Karanovich, a spokeswoman for the state Executive Office of Health and Human services, called the deaths at the Soldiers’ Home “a reminder of the insidious nature of Covid-19.”
She added: “We are deeply saddened by the extent of the outbreak and the loss of life."She added: “We are deeply saddened by the extent of the outbreak and the loss of life."
As for Mr. Miller’s children, they have trouble describing that last weekend without crying.As for Mr. Miller’s children, they have trouble describing that last weekend without crying.
“We’re very bitter because of the way he died,” said Ms. McKee.“We’re very bitter because of the way he died,” said Ms. McKee.
She and her sister, Susan, sat in the parking lot, peering into her father’s room through her brother’s iPhone. She heard spasms of coughing from her father’s roommates; two of the three would die that weekend. She saw a large refrigerated truck pull up to a loading dock in the back of the facility, for the bodies.She and her sister, Susan, sat in the parking lot, peering into her father’s room through her brother’s iPhone. She heard spasms of coughing from her father’s roommates; two of the three would die that weekend. She saw a large refrigerated truck pull up to a loading dock in the back of the facility, for the bodies.
“It was complete panic,” Ms. McKee said. “It was pandemonium. Nobody knew where to turn. ”“It was complete panic,” Ms. McKee said. “It was pandemonium. Nobody knew where to turn. ”
Inside, Michael sat with his father, holding his hand and praying, reassuring him that he wasn’t alone. Watching him breathe, stop breathing, and start breathing again.Inside, Michael sat with his father, holding his hand and praying, reassuring him that he wasn’t alone. Watching him breathe, stop breathing, and start breathing again.
“I wouldn’t wish that upon anybody,” he said. “It’s something I will remember for the rest of my life.”“I wouldn’t wish that upon anybody,” he said. “It’s something I will remember for the rest of my life.”
Mr. Miller died on March 30, on the day when a cascade of scrutiny began to fall on the facility. From his father’s bedside, Michael could see a group of public health officials making their way through the units.Mr. Miller died on March 30, on the day when a cascade of scrutiny began to fall on the facility. From his father’s bedside, Michael could see a group of public health officials making their way through the units.
But his attention was with his father, who was breathing but no longer responding, and the strangeness of surviving Omaha Beach to die that way.But his attention was with his father, who was breathing but no longer responding, and the strangeness of surviving Omaha Beach to die that way.
“That’s the irony, he landed on Normandy beach and your chances of survival weren’t great,” he said. “And he made it.”“That’s the irony, he landed on Normandy beach and your chances of survival weren’t great,” he said. “And he made it.”