The U.S. is experiencing another surge of COVID-19 cases and fatalities in nursing homes. During the early months of the pandemic, nursing homes quickly became ground zero for coronavirus outbreaks across the country. While the cases subdued somewhat in the fall, the facilities are now seeing their most intense surge in coronavirus cases. As new cases break record after record, infections at those facilities hit a new high in late November. The situation in nursing homes is dire because they house the highest at-risk senior population and patients with multiple underlying health issues.
Between late May and late November, the number of COVID-19 cases among nursing home residents and employees quadrupled. More than 82,000 nursing home residents and employees have died from the virus since the pandemic began. Despite making up 5.8% of all U.S. COVID cases, 40% of recorded deaths have occurred in nursing homes.
COVID-19 Driving an Epidemic of Loneliness in Nursing Homes
When the pandemic hit, nursing homes across the country isolated their residents in an attempt to prevent infection. They shut their doors to visitors and family members, confined residents to their rooms, and suspended communal meals and group activities. When limited visits are allowed, physical contact between residents and family members is barred.
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