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The focus on COVID-19 in nursing homes and long-term care facilities continues to heighten across the country as the resident death rate is still growing exponentially. More than 400 deaths have been reported in Florida nursing homes, nearly 30% of the total deaths in the state.

The numbers were recently released on Friday, May 1, after more than a month of refusal from Florida health care administrators regarding the virus’ toll in long-term care facilities. Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the information after several Florida news organizations filed suit under the state’s public record law.

As expected, the data shows nursing homes and assisted living facilities are among the most impacted by the virus, accounting for one in three coronavirus deaths in the state.

How Is COVID-19 Spread in Nursing Homes?

Similar to many illnesses, COVID-19 is spread through droplets that are released into the air after a cough or sneeze. Any individual who inhales the droplets or comes into contact with them and then touches their face could contract the virus. 

The close living quarters and shared common spaces in assisted living facilities creates an opportunistic environment for the disease to spread easily. In addition, residents in nursing homes statistically face a greater risk of developing serious and fatal complications. 

Difficulty quarantining infected patients and ill caregivers are two additional challenges facing nursing homes that compound the risk of a coronavirus outbreak. Lack of space and equipment can make keeping infected patients away from other residents difficult, if not impossible. Caregivers at long term health care facilities face the burden of taking time off if they begin to show symptoms of COVID-19. A lack of sick time and a 14 day quarantine period discourages caregivers to step away from their duties when sick, which increases the risk of spreading the disease to other healthcare providers and nursing home residents.

What Are the CDC and CMS Doing to Stop the Spread of COVID-19 in Nursing Homes?

Since early March, nursing homes and care facilities across the country have restricted visitors in an effort to decrease the risk of spreading the virus to residents and staff. But more recently, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released guidelines and key strategies on how to properly handle COVID-19 at these facilities. Additionally, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced new regulatory requirements for nursing homes to inform residents, their families and the CDC of any COVID-19 cases at the facility. The CDC will also be providing a reporting tool to nursing homes that will allow them to collect nationwide data to aid in COVID-19 surveillance and response. 

Do You Have Questions About the Rights of a Florida Nursing Home Resident? Ask an Attorney From Our Fort Myers Injury Law Firm about the Coronavirus in Nursing Homes

If you have questions or have a loved one at a nursing home you believe is violating CMS guidelines, ask our Fort Myers injury law firm to investigate. The coronavirus is a serious concern for residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities, and the facilities need to be taking proper measures to protect them. Furthermore, if you or a loved one has contracted COVID-19 in a nursing home due to negligence, you may have a case and be eligible for compensation. Contact Attorney Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. to learn how we can help today.