OBSERVER Photo by Anthony Dolce The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is taking its toll on the WCA Home, an assisted-living facility in Fredonia, and its staff.

Another assisted-living facility is feeling the wrath of COVID-19. In a Facebook post on Tuesday morning, WCA Home administrator Tammy McCool said the pandemic “has shaken our foundation to its core.”

“Words cannot express the sadness and and worry we face day in and day out,” she said. “Our hearts hurt for the residents that we have lost and for the families that haven’t seen or touched their love one in months. Life with COVID is no life. We all have given up so very much, just to survive.”

McCool said the virus is not just impacting the residents in the Fredonia location, it also has been taking a “terrible” toll on staff. “Currently, we have all but four residents with COVID. Many are in the hospital, and this past week we have lost two residents due to this unseen terrible killer. Moreover, 70% of our staff are out sick This virus is no joke. It’s real folks.”

Nursing and assisted-living facilities, which had kept the virus at bay during the early stages, are now in a constant battle. According to the most recent figures that were updated on Tuesday, 23 deaths have been reported at Chautauqua Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, 11 at Heritage Green in Greenhurst, six at Absolut of Westfield and six at Heritage Village in Gerry.

“Please please please pray for us. Pray for each other. Have patience with one another. Be understanding. Be thoughtful. Be kind. Be loving as life is too precious and time eventually does run out! At the end of all of this … peace, joy and love needs to prosper, “ McCool wrote. “May God bless you and all that is in your circle of life.”

Located at 134 Temple St., the WCA Home has 32 private rooms and five double occupancy rooms.

Visitation, according to the Home’s website, has been suspended since Jan. 12.

It was founded in 1893 when the Fredonia chapter of the Women’s Christian Association purchased the elegant Aaron O. Putnam House for the purpose of providing a home for elderly ladies. It has operated continuously since then.