It’s been a grueling eight months since COVID-19 swept through the United States, and with insufficient governmental oversight, an end still feels distant. Cases are surging nationwide. Schools, cities, and states are reimposing strict measures and complete lockdowns, leaving families to connect via screens. For many responsible adults, Thanksgiving and Christmas will be celebrated over Zoom. While no one is immune to the virus, nursing home residents are especially vulnerable.
A recent report indicates that nursing homes are experiencing a surge in COVID cases. This data, compiled by researchers from a collaboration between Johns Hopkins University and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), covers over 14,000 nursing homes and assisted living facilities. The report highlights a significant rise in cases, particularly in the Midwest, where nearly half of the new COVID cases in nursing homes originated during the first week of November. Since September, this region has seen a staggering 200 percent increase in weekly COVID cases within these facilities.
This rise is unsurprising, as nursing homes have been COVID hotspots from the onset. These facilities were among the first to be severely impacted by the virus, and the global rates of infection show we are now in the “second wave.” However, as Tamara Grayson, a long-term care expert at the University of Chicago, points out, the issue stems from community spread rather than the facilities themselves.
“Attempting to safeguard nursing home residents without addressing community transmission is futile,” Grayson asserts. Dr. Samuel Turner, a professor of health care policy at Harvard Medical School, echoes this sentiment, noting that the extent of community spread is a critical determinant of infection rates in any setting.
The report also noted a slight uptick in COVID-related fatalities within nursing homes. Last week, around 1,400 individuals succumbed to COVID-related complications. Though this number is lower than during the spring surge, experts fear that the growing number of cases could lead to increased mortality.
“As COVID spreads uncontrollably among the general population, long-term care facilities find themselves unable to fully prevent the virus from infiltrating due to its asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic nature,” stated Mark Hargrove, CEO of the National Health Care Association. He emphasized that the ongoing national crisis is straining the workforce, resources, and testing capabilities of these facilities.
With the holiday season approaching, Hargrove warns that gatherings will exacerbate the situation. “People must understand that their actions not only jeopardize our most vulnerable citizens but also lead to government lockdowns of facilities, denying residents contact with their families. This separation is detrimental to their health and happiness,” he remarked.
In light of this crisis, the National Health Care Association has proposed several urgent actions Congress could take to support nursing homes during this challenging time, including financial assistance for testing and personal protective equipment. Whether Congress prioritizes the needs of these long-term care facilities remains to be seen.
What can we do in the meantime? Until a vaccine becomes widely available, the most effective way to curb the spread of COVID-19 is through individual actions. It’s crucial to wear masks at all times, follow social distancing guidelines, and avoid unnecessary travel. While it may be inconvenient and lonely, refraining from large gatherings and festivities is a small sacrifice to protect vulnerable populations, including our grandparents.
For more information on the latest COVID-19 updates, readers are encouraged to check local public health sources and organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization.
This article was originally published on November 19, 2020.
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Summary:
Nursing homes are facing record COVID-19 case numbers, with community spread being a significant factor rather than the facilities themselves. Experts urge individuals to take personal responsibility in slowing down the spread of the virus, especially during the holiday season, to protect vulnerable populations.
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