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COVID-19 Devastates Nursing & Long-Term Care Facilities

NPR

In The Moment ... April 23, 2020 Show 802 Hour 2

Since the first confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in the U.S., we've been talking about how COVID-19 could devastate the residents of America's nursing homes and long-term care facilities. Elders are at high risk for death from the disease. Spread throughout nursing homes proves difficult to contain due to the nature of the contagion. In fact, the nationwide death toll from COVID-19 in U.S. nursing and long-term care facilities has topped 10,000, and South Dakota facilities have not been spared from confirmed cases. 
 
Families are separated from their loved ones. Elders are sheltered-in place. Care providers are working under extremely difficult circumstances. And yet, the news is not all grim. Heroic efforts are underway to prevent outbreaks, contain outbreaks and save lives. The story is not over, nor is the ending inevitable. 
 
Randy Bury is president of the Good Samaritan Society.

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