An incredible statement as the situation in US nursing homes continues to decline.
New York’s Health Commissioner Howard Zucker has defended a directive that requires nursing operators to readmit residents who have tested positive for the coronavirus in hospital – as the Governor Andrew Cuomo said he didn’t know the policy was in place.
“That’s a good question, I don’t know,” he said while answering questions from the media about the policy.
New York says at least 3,316 people in nursing homes and adult care facilities have died of coronavirus at their residences or in hospitals across the state – and the numbers could be higher.
Mr Zucker said “necessary precautions” will be taken to protect other residents.
However, the policy raises serious issues – particularly for nursing homes without any COVID-19 positive residents or that are already at capacity.
