Traditional germ theory explains the deaths & spike in COVID-19 cases in the US better than any political accusations going around. But, some politicians do carry real blame, however denied:
“”You had this political conspiracy theory that the deaths in nursing homes were preventable,” said Mr. Cuomo.””
At a press conference today, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo insisted that his March order requiring NH’s to accept COVID positive patients from the hospital didn’t cause deaths – in spite of the fact that it’s estimated that those orders caused more than 6300 such transfers.
The NYTimes previously reported 43% of COVID19 deaths have been linked to nursing homes.
Click to view the percentage of death in NH by State
The problem with the spread of disease has been a lack of common infection control where it counts: in the care of the most vulnerable in nursing homes (“NH” ) and hospitals, as well as the failure to protect healthcare workers who come into close contact with the vulnerable and infected — and who travel between facilities & the community.
The first reported US case led to an outbreak in a Washington State nursing home and the local hospital. It began after a traveler returned from China – while that country still denied person-to-person spread – and sought treatment at the hospital. Employees carried it between facilities and into the community.
In spite of this history, New York & New Jersey governors each ordered nursing homes to accept COVID positive patients from the hospital & the Minnesota Department of Health insisted that hospitals discharge positive patients back to NH’s that weren’t prepared. It’s estimated that 1/4 of NY NH workers contracted the disease between March and June.
NY didn’t mandate NH testing until mid-May. NJ required testing by May 26th!
“The Atlantic” gives more details about the lack of anticipation about the NH risk in a July 6 article.
The cycle of poor infection control in facilities caring for the vulnerable elderly – with inadequate protection for residents, employees, & their contacts – spread the virus.
Wear a mask if you, too, are at risk or will spend time with someone who is. Wash your hands! But, please don’t politicize this disease.
WingRight 
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