COVID-only recovery center in Meriden reopening for patients, bracing for second wave

MERIDEN, Conn. (WTNH) — As COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations surge across the state, frontline workers in Meriden are gearing up for battle yet again.

The state has asked Athena Health Care to reopen its COVID-only recovery center there, as officials try to prevent a repeat of the spring when the virus ran rampant through nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

The bad news? The demand is already here.

Athena said its initial capacity is 30 patients, and they expect to fill those beds within a week.

The good news?

Testing, PPE, staff experience, and tried-and-tested protocols have come a long way since the first wave, and frontline workers are much more equipped to handle this next one.

COVID-only recovery center in Meriden reopening for patients, bracing for second wave