The most recent AARP COVID-19 Dashboard indicates both cases and deaths in Louisiana nursing homes are on the decline. The current dashboard is from February 28th to March 21st. State Director Denise Bottcher said fatalities dropped in nursing homes to 64 compared to the previous reporting period of 183.
“We have seen the deaths of nursing home residents in Louisiana significantly decline in this reporting period which is fantastic news,” said Bottcher.
Botcher said this indicates that the vaccine and infection control are working. COVID Case numbers among residents dropped to 80 from the previous 643. Bottcher said it is not only residents.
“Even in terms of the number of infection rates between residents and staff that has also declined,” said Botcher.
Staff shortages have been an ongoing issue for nursing homes in Louisiana. Bottcher said while the decline is down to 31-percent from the previous 32-percent it remains a critical issue.
“We still have to acknowledge that we have chronic staffing problems within the nursing homes across Louisiana and that’s something long-term we need to look to solve,” said Bottcher.
The dashboard also indicated that PPE shortages declined among nursing homes which Bottcher said is vital for infection control.
AARP COVID-19 Dashboard – Louisiana
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