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According to the latest count by the Associated Press (AP), in the last two weeks, more than 3,600 deaths nationwide are linked to COVID-19 outbreaks in nursing home and long-term care facilities.

Since the federal government does not release the data on COVID-19 in facilities, AP has kept its own running total based on media reports and state health departments. The latest count of at least 3,621 deaths is up from about 450 deaths just 10 days ago.

Most state counts do not include those who died without ever being tested for COVID-19. Experts say the numbers are probably higher.

AP reported these deaths may keep climbing because of staffing shortages, shortages of protective supplies, and a continued lack of available testing.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), which regulates nursing home residences, issued recommendations urging nursing homes to use separate staffing teams for residents, and to designate separate facilities within nursing homes to keep COVID-19 positive residents and those testing negative away from one another.

Dr. Deborah Birx, who is on the White House COVID-19 response team, suggested this past week that more COVID-19 tests became available and that nursing homes should be a top priority.

“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,” said Dr. Birx.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic started, more than 500 people in Florida have died. South Florida accounts for almost 300 of the deaths.

Governor DeSantis said that seniors and people with underlying health conditions are especially vulnerable to serious illness caused by COVID-19, which makes treating them particularly difficult. On Monday, April 13, 2020, Governor DeSantis said the state will more aggressively inspect nursing homes to detect patients and staff who have COVID-19.

“If you or a loved one is injured in a nursing home or long-term care facility by the negligence of another during the COVID-19 pandemic, please contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. We have the expertise to assist you. We are available 24/7, and there are no costs or attorney fees until we get a monetary recovery for you,” said Fort Myers Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Randall Spivey.

Fort Myers Nursing Home Abuse Attorney  Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one  percent (1%) of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact  Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll-free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County at 239.793.7748.