Title: Rise in COVID-19 Outbreaks: New Jersey Nursing Homes Brace for Potential Challenges
In the past week, approximately one in four nursing homes and assisted living facilities in New Jersey have reported a COVID-19 outbreak. This alarming surge in cases has left many concerned about the safety of vulnerable residents in these facilities. However, experts suggest that strict lockdown measures and drastic restrictions, which were prevalent at the early stages of the pandemic, are not expected to make a comeback. The Governor’s and Biden administrations have not announced any recent policy changes.
Responsibility for managing the rising cases now lies with nursing home operators, who have the advantage of vaccine availability and boosters. Presently, the state is grappling with 158 active nursing home outbreaks, affecting 1,327 residents and 534 employees. This increase comes as little surprise, with hospitalizations on the rise nationwide.
Long-term care facilities have witnessed visitors and employees being the primary sources of COVID-19 transmission since the onset of the pandemic. A staggering 10,233 long-term care residents and employees in New Jersey have succumbed to the virus since March 2020. Tragically, state-run veterans homes account for at least 200 of these fatalities.
Recent reports highlight the closure of a wing in a nursing home in Vineland due to a COVID-19 outbreak. Multiple residents and employees tested positive for the virus. However, despite these challenges, nursing homes are required to have infection control professionals and implement best practices to ensure the utmost safety of their residents and staff. Operators provide training on infection control procedures and actively encourage vaccination.
Believed to be temporary, the rise in cases is expected to decrease soon, as seen in previous spikes. It is vital to note that lockdowns resembling those seen earlier in the pandemic are currently not permitted under both state and federal guidelines. Instead, facilities and residents are embracing additional measures like mask-wearing and temperature testing to mitigate the risks.
The Long-Term Care Ombudsman has reported no widespread curtailing of visitation or activities. Nonetheless, the situation remains fluid, and continuous monitoring is crucial to prevent further outbreaks.
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