WASHINGTON, D.C. — The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), D.C.-based organizations representing more than 14,000 nursing homes, assisted living communities and other long-term care facilities, are pushing for widespread COVID-19 testing across the seniors housing industry.
Dr. Deborah Birx, White House coronavirus task force coordinator, recently laid out steps to prioritize long-term care facilities when it comes to virus testing. Mark Parkinson, president and CEO of AHCA and NCAL, issued a statement in response.
“We’re hearing from our nursing homes and assisted living communities that have undertaken expanded testing that they are finding a high number of residents and staff who are positive, but without symptoms,” says Parkinson. “Without access to more testing, long-term care providers are at a severe disadvantage in identifying more of these asymptomatic residents and staff. And without more personal protective equipment our staff is at a serious disadvantage in protecting themselves so they can care for the vulnerable population who reside in our facilities.”
“Plain and simple, whether it’s our federal, state or local health agencies, long-term care facilities need adequate testing kits and personal protective equipment,” concludes Parkinson. “And we need them now.”