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Coronavirus Infections In U.S. Nursing Homes Hit A New High

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Updated Aug 17, 2020, 03:15pm EDT

TOPLINE

The number of new coronavirus infections in nursing homes has surpassed the country’s previous peak level in May, according to a report published Monday, which shows surging cases among young people in Sun Belt states have reached the vulnerable elderly population.

KEY FACTS

During the week of July 26, 9,715 new coronavirus cases were recorded among nursing home residents, an increase from the previous record of 9,421 from the week of May 31, according to the report from the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living, which represents 14,000 nursing homes providing care to five million. 

At least 78% of the new cases in nursing homes came from Sun Belt states, such as California, Florida, Texas and Arizona, which have struggled to control outbreaks that picked up in July. 

Coronavirus-related deaths in nursing homes have also begun to rise again, with 69% of new deaths coming, again, from the Sun Belt states. 

At the end of May, at least 3,130 nursing home patients had died from coronavirus over the course of one week, while 1,706 died during the week that started July 26, an increase of 300 compared to the weekly count from June and early July. 

When the U.S. began seeing a July surge in cases, health officials warned that the high number among predominantly young people would lead to an uptick among older, more vulnerable populations. 

Crucial Quote 

“With the recent major spikes of COVID cases in many states across the country, we were very concerned this trend would lead to an increase in cases in nursing homes and unfortunately it has,” said Mark Parkinson, President and CEO of the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living.

Key Background 

According to Parkinson, the new record infections in nursing homes and long-term facilities is particularly concerning because many are still unable to acquire the personal protective equipment and testing they need to get the virus under control. Nursing home employees in numerous states have complained of a lack of N95 masks, gowns and other key supplies. Nearly 20% of nursing homes in Virginia and 23% in Ohio said they lack a one-week supply of N95 masks. Parkinson is asking Congress for an additional $100 billion for the Department of Health and Human Services Provider Relief Fund, which health care providers impacted by Covid-19, including nursing homes, can access. 

Big Number: 65,000. 

The number of coronavirus-related deaths linked to U.S. long-term care facilities, according to a Wall Street Journal tally. These facilities comprise 40% of all known deaths nationwide.

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