Title: COVID-19 Outbreaks Hit One in Four Nursing Homes in New Jersey
In the past week alone, a concerning statistic has emerged in New Jersey’s nursing homes and assisted living facilities, as one in four of them reported a COVID-19 outbreak. These outbreaks have prompted concerns and brought attention to the response measures taken by both the state and federal administrations.
Surprisingly, neither the Murphy nor Biden administrations have issued any recent policy changes regarding lockdowns or drastic measures to combat the surging cases. Instead, nursing home operators are now solely responsible for managing COVID-19 cases as they arise, highlighting the need for efficient protocols within these facilities.
Despite the challenges, the availability of vaccines and boosters has significantly improved the ability to prevent and manage COVID-19 within nursing homes. However, the situation remains worrisome, as there are currently 158 active nursing home outbreaks in New Jersey alone, impacting the lives of 1,327 residents and 534 employees.
The increase in COVID-19 cases within nursing homes is not entirely unexpected, given the recent national surge in hospitalizations by nearly 19%. Moreover, visitors and employees have consistently been identified as potential sources of disease spread in long-term care facilities since the beginning of the pandemic.
The devastating impact of COVID-19 on long-term care facilities is evident in New Jersey, as over 10,000 long-term care residents and employees have tragically lost their lives to the virus. This distressing toll is a reminder of the crucial need for enhanced precautions and vigilance in preventing further outbreaks.
Just recently, a veterans home in Vineland was forced to close one of its wings due to seven residents and four employees testing positive for COVID-19. Such incidents only emphasize the potential vulnerability of these facilities during an outbreak.
To address these concerns, it is now mandatory for nursing homes to have an infection control professional who will implement best practices, including informing residents and their representatives about positive cases promptly. Furthermore, facilities must provide training on infection control practices and actively encourage vaccination among their staff and residents.
Despite the current spike in cases, facilities and residents alike are remaining resilient and implementing necessary precautions such as mask-wearing and temperature testing. It is hoped that these measures will help curb the spread of the virus, similar to previous rises that did not result in increased mortality rates.
Notably, lockdowns like those witnessed in previous years are not currently allowed under state and federal guidelines. As the situation continues to evolve, it remains vital for policymakers to stay proactive and respond effectively to prevent further outbreaks and protect the vulnerable population in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
In the face of adversity, it is necessary to remain committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our elderly population, not only by minimizing the impact of COVID-19 but also by appropriately addressing the long-term implications of the ongoing pandemic.
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