AARP NY: In Wake of Report of Nearly 100 Deaths at One NYC Nursing Home, Governor Must Act Swiftly to Protect Long-Term Care Workers, Residents

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ALBANY, N.Y.— In the wake of a report of 98 potentially coronavirus-related deaths at a single New York City nursing home, AARP New York State Director Beth Finkel issued the following statement:

“A report of nearly 100 deaths at a single nursing home is a shocking reminder of the horrific conditions and tremendous risks at too many nursing homes, and it should be a wakeup call for the State to step in and help - now.

“It is absolutely horrifying and cries out for action. Governor Cuomo has shown tremendous leadership during this pandemic by ensuring hospitals were and are prepared to handle the influx of infected New Yorkers; now he needs to show the same leadership to help the long-term care system.

“The healthcare workers union and organizations representing New Yorkers of color – the hardest hit among us during this pandemic, particularly in nursing homes – joined us recently in calling on the Governor to create a Long-Term Care COVID-19 task force and prioritize the deployment of personal protective equipment (PPE) and testing for nursing homes, adult care facilities and home care. We appreciate State Senate Health Committee Chairman Gustava Rivera’s support for the plan.

“We need a plan not just now but in anticipation of a potential second wave of the coronavirus or similar health emergencies. We appreciate the Governor’s announcements that nursing home staff must stay home longer if infected, and that seven million masks will be sent across the state to vulnerable New Yorkers, including those in nursing homes. These are good steps. But we need a long-term, comprehensive and coordinated strategy and plan for our long-term care system.”

Contact: Erik Kriss, ekriss@aarp.org

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About AARP

AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @AARP and @AARPadvocates on social media.

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