MERCER, Pa. - Operators of a nursing home just outside Mercer Borough report that 26 residents and 14 staff members recently tested positive for Coronavirus.

Quality Life Services posted a letter on July 17 informing residents and family members of the confirmed COVID-19 cases at their facility on Lamor Road in East Lackawannock Township.

According to the letter, after an employee tested positive on July 7th, the home implemented universal COVID-19 testing of all residents.

Residents who tested positive were quarantined in a COVID-19 "red" isolation unit. Under CDC guidelines, staff who tested positive for COVID-19 but who are not showing symptoms were assigned to work exclusively in the "red" isolation unit.

The latest information available from state health officials at long-term care facilities as of July 21 show a total of fifteen staff cases and 24 resident cases at QLS, Mercer.

As of last week, eight long-term care facilities in Mercer County had reported positive COVID-19 cases since the outbreak began.  A total of 35 residents, 24 employees, and 2 deaths were reported at those facilities.

On Friday, state health officials expressed concern about rising COVID-19 numbers in Mercer, Lawrence, and a dozen other counties.

The percent-positivity went up to 7.6% in Mercer County and 6.2% in Lawrence Counties.

State officials say they will continue to monitor these counties.