More than 2,600 coronavirus deaths reported at nursing homes

Wheelchairs are stacked at the curb outside PruittHealth Grandview nursing home on April 8, where at least 10 patients who were previously tested presumptive positive for COVID-19 have passed away, in Athens, Ga.
Wheelchairs are stacked at the curb outside PruittHealth Grandview nursing home on April 8, where at least 10 patients who were previously tested presumptive positive for COVID-19 have passed away, in Athens, Ga.

More than 2,600 coronavirus-related deaths have been reported at nursing homes and long-term care facilities, according to the Associated Press.
However, the number is likely to be even higher as most states are not including people who died without ever being tested as part of their coronavirus death tolls.
A number of outbreaks in nursing homes and related facilities have been reported in all regions of the U.S., including one at a veteran’s home in Holyoke, Mass., that has killed 37, infected 76 and prompted a federal investigation.
Experts say that the coronavirus outbreak has worsened existing staffing shortages at nursing homes. That, along with the lack of protective supplies and testing, is expected to lead to the rising deaths.
The surge in deaths is otherwise notable since the federal government put guidelines in place to protect nursing home residents by restricting visitors and screening workers for symptoms before each shift.
However, it is believed that asymptomatic workers ended up spreading the virus to their more vulnerable charges.
Dr. Deborah Birx, who leads the White House coronavirus response, called for a huge increase in testing at nursing homes this week.
“We need to really ensure that nursing homes have sentinel surveillance. And what do I mean by that? That we’re actively testing in nursing homes, both the residents and the workers, at all times,” Birx said.
The federal agency that oversees nursing homes, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, is expected to issue new guidelines that will force homes to inform residents, their family and staff sooner if anyone test positive for coronavirus.

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