HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) – A federal judge has approved a $58 million settlement for the veterans and families impacted by the deadly COVID-19 outbreak at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home in 2020.

Federal Judge Mark Mastroianni approved the settlement Monday. The payout will be divided into two classes:

• Class A: Veterans and estates of veterans who had COVID-19 and survived between March 1, 2020 and June 23, 2020
• Class B: Estates of veterans who died from COVID-19 between March 1, 2020 and June 23, 2020

Obviously it goes without saying that no dollar amount is ever going to bring back their family members, their loved ones, but if it allows them to get some semblance of closure, I think it’s a really good thing. It’s one step in the direction of putting this sorted chapter of the commonwealth history behind us.

Sen. John Velis, Westfield

The approved settlement will resolve all claims relating to the COVID-19 outbreak at the facility during the covered dates. There are 84 veterans listed in each class. According to Governor Bakers’ office, estates of deceased veterans would receive a minimum award of $400,000 and the veterans who contracted COVID-19 but survived would receive a minimum of $10,000.

The settlement plan must be filed within the court by Friday, May 20 for the judge’s review and approval.