The period under study saw a sharp spike in coronavirus infections in the Sun Belt states, and neither nursing homes nor public health agencies were equipped to fend off covid-19 despite the lessons that became evident as the coronavirus swept through Northeastern facilities in April and May. About 20 percent of nursing homes are dealing with staff shortages, in part because of the ravages of the pandemic on employees, including 331 who died in July and August, said the report, commissioned by Democratic Sens. ADADThe report stated that 16,487 residents died during that same period — and cited an analysis by The Washington Post that found that Black nursing home residents have been disproportionately affected. About 50,000 nursing home residents have died since the pandemic began. On Friday, CMS issued guidance to nursing homes on visitation, to the applause of advocates.

Source: Washington Post September 22, 2020 18:12 UTC