‘The Public Has Not Listened’: Nursing Home Cases Surge To All-Time High As COVID-19 Sweeps US
New coronavirus cases have surged to an all-time high at nursing homes across the country despite federal efforts to shield residents through aggressive testing and visitor restrictions, a new report shows.
Federal data shows 10,279 COVID-19 cases during the week of Nov. 1, the most recent data available. The figures surpassed the previous high of 9,903 cases in late July, according to a report by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living.
The surge in cases among the nation’s most vulnerable residents comes as cases, hospitalizations and deaths surge nationwide. Industry representatives say that when cases spread in a community, it’s difficult to shield nursing home residents despite rules that restrict visitors.
“We have been begging people the last eight months to wear a mask, socially distance and to be careful,” said Mark Parkinson, president and CEO of AHCA/NCAL. “Unfortunately, the public has not listened or complied.”
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