Hospitals and nursing homes are becoming the epicenters of the coronavirus spread. Both places contain people who are most at risk for the virus, including those with chronic conditions and those who are elderly. The coronavirus is spreading coast to coast across the U.S. and is affecting every state except for West Virginia at this time. However, some states are having outbreaks that are specifically concentrated in nursing homes. As of now, California, Washington, and New York appear to be the most affected and reporting the most cases.

The virus seems to have taken hold inside a nursing home in the state of Washington. There seems to be a link between this nursing home and the majority of the cases in the U.S. It is a common occurrence for sickness to spread quickly in nursing homes due to the age of the residents and the number of people with chronic health conditions. So, the rise of COVID-19 is especially dangerous to those who work and reside in nursing homes. 

Kirkland, Washington outbreak

The Life Care Center in Kirkland, Washington, has been severely affected by the coronavirus in recent weeks. This specific nursing home accounts for about 60% of the coronavirus death toll in the U.S. About 50 nursing home residents have contracted the virus so far. As of this month, there have been 23 coronavirus-related deaths linked to this nursing home.

A nursing home resident who is in her 70s is in critical condition, as well as one of the healthcare workers on staff, a woman in her 40s. Officials are continuing to test patients and residents, but it remains unclear exactly how many people have been infected. To prevent the spread of disease, the nursing home is no longer allowing family, friends, volunteers or vendors to enter the facility. This is an effort to contain the virus which has already infiltrated the nursing facility. 

Nursing homes and sickness

Facilities that provide long-term care tend to be a haven for the spread of infections and diseases. Elderly patients who are already more susceptible to falling ill, are unsurprisingly being more affected by the coronavirus. These elderly individuals likely have chronic conditions that make it more likely to catch the virus. Many believe that new cases will be reported inside the Life Care Center in the coming days as more patients and staff are being tested.

Healthcare workers and first responders

Healthcare workers and first responders are on the frontlines of this novel virus. People who work in healthcare are even more exposed to diseases and viruses than the average person. Many are starting to experience various symptoms because of constant exposure to the virus and affected individuals. In recent days, one-third of the staff from the Kirkland, Washington nursing home are reported as being quarantined. 

Managing an outbreak

During the outbreak of a disease, the focus needs to be on proper self-quarantine measures. Everyone including the staff members and residents of the nursing facility will need to strictly follow them. These safety measures include wearing face masks and gloves and frequent hand washing to prevent the further spread of disease.

It’s very important to reach out to anyone who has been in contact with the people affected. This can be friends, family or volunteers who have visited the currently affected individuals. If anyone has been to a nursing home that is now having a coronavirus outbreak, they should seek medical testing and limit contact with others. If you start feeling flu-like symptoms, you should speak to your physician. 

Staying updated on the virus

To keep track of any new developments with the coronavirus, it’s vital to pay attention to any local and state updates. Your community may be closing down certain events, stores, schools, or workplaces. Also, the CDC is putting out new information and updates every day in an effort to keep the public informed and healthy.