It has been a challenging eight months since the COVID-19 pandemic began in the United States, and with insufficient government oversight, the situation shows no signs of improvement. Case numbers are surging nationwide, leading to heightened restrictions in schools, cities, and entire states, while families remain physically distanced. For many responsible adults, holiday celebrations like Thanksgiving and Christmas will be spent over Zoom. Although no one is exempt from this virus, nursing home residents are particularly vulnerable.
Recent data, compiled by Johns Hopkins University alongside the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), reveals a troubling rise in COVID-19 cases among nursing homes and assisted living facilities. This report encompasses over 14,000 such establishments, highlighting a significant spike in infections, especially in the Midwest, where nearly half of all new nursing home cases emerged during the first week of November. Since September, this region has experienced a staggering 200 percent increase in weekly cases.
This surge is not unexpected. Nursing homes have long been identified as COVID hotspots, having been among the first locations affected by the virus. The world is currently grappling with a “second wave,” yet the facilities themselves are not to blame. According to Dr. Anna Thompson, a leading expert on long-term care at the University of Chicago, the primary driver behind outbreaks in nursing homes is community transmission.
“Attempting to shield nursing home residents without addressing community spread is a futile endeavor,” Dr. Thompson stated. This sentiment is echoed by Dr. Mark Reynolds, a health policy professor at Harvard Medical School, who noted, “The best indicator of case presence in any setting is the level of community transmission.”
The report also indicated a slight uptick in COVID-related fatalities in nursing homes, with around 1,400 deaths reported last week. Though this figure is lower than during the initial outbreak in the spring, experts fear that the recent increase in cases will lead to more deaths. “Our deepest concerns have materialized as COVID spreads unchecked in the broader community, leaving long-term care facilities vulnerable to asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic infections,” remarked Laura Jennings, CEO of the National Association of Health Care Providers. “Our healthcare workers are doing everything possible to contain the spread, yet the nationwide situation severely strains our resources and testing capabilities.”
As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, Jennings cautioned that the situation could worsen if families gather as if it were still 2019. “People need to understand that their actions not only jeopardize our most at-risk populations but also lead to government lockdowns of facilities, isolating residents from their families. This has a detrimental impact on their health and happiness. We urge everyone to act responsibly to slow the spread and take precautions during the holidays.”
The National Association of Health Care Providers has recently outlined several actions Congress must consider during its lame-duck session to combat the virus, including financial support for testing, staffing, and personal protective equipment. It remains uncertain whether Congress will prioritize the needs of these long-term care facilities as they deliberate on a new COVID relief package.
What Can Be Done to Help?
More importantly, what can you do? Until a vaccine is available, the best way to mitigate new COVID cases is to reduce transmission. It’s essential to wear masks consistently, regardless of local guidelines. Adhere to social distancing measures—keeping a safe distance from others is crucial. Avoid unnecessary travel and large gatherings. It might be disappointing, but for the sake of your loved ones, especially vulnerable grandparents, it’s the right thing to do.
For the latest information about COVID-19, we recommend consulting local public health departments, 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 continue to face significant challenges amid the COVID-19 pandemic, with recent data showing a troubling rise in cases, particularly in the Midwest. Experts emphasize that community spread is the primary driver of outbreaks in these facilities, not the facilities themselves. As the holiday season approaches, it is crucial for the public to take precautions to protect vulnerable populations and slow the spread of the virus.