Story and photos by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano

(Beaver, Pa.) United States Health and Human Serivces Secretary Alex Azar came to Beaver County Friday May 29, 2020 and met with Heritage Valley officials and the Beaver County Commissioners. He was introduced by Heritage Valley CEO  Norm Mitry. The topic of discussion was the Brighton Rehab and Wellness Center just across Dutch Ridge Road.  The  nursing home is the site where most of the county’s COVID-19  cases  have occurred, and approximately 90% of the coronavirus  deaths have occurred there, according to statistics compiled since mid-March. Azar said that between May 12-14 HHS was on site  and there is a federal investigation  and findings, according to Secretary Azar,  will be released  soon.”He said a series of negative findings  and the tragic loss of many patients is unacceptable.” He said,”We’ll look at the rules and regulations  from CMS .”  He said, “States have to take care with infection control and systems control  at nursing homes seriously .”He said, “We’re focusing on protections  immediately.”He said, “We will certainly demand accountability.  As of Sunday there were 589 Covid-19 cases and 73 deaths in Beaver County.