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U.S. nursing homes report 82 percent drop in COVID cases

A new report shows nursing homes and long-term care facilities nationwide are seeing the lowest number of new COVID-19 cases since May 2020. The data represents 14,000 U.S. facilities represented by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living.

More than 14,000 nursing homes and long term care facilities in the U.S. represented by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) show an 82 percent decline in new COVID-19 cases among residents, according to a recent report.

The recent report reveals new cases counts are at the lowest numbers since the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) began tracking the virus in May 2020.

CMS data shows the large drop of 82 percent is a decline since the virus’ peak during the week of Dec. 20, 2020. At the time there were more than 30,000 new resident cases.

“We still have a long road ahead, but these numbers are incredibly encouraging and a major morale booster for frontline caregivers who have been working tirelessly every day for a year to protect our residents,” said Mark Parkinson, president and CEO of AHCA/NCAL. “This new data showcases just how important it is for nursing homes residents and staff, as well as the general public, to get the vaccine because it is clearly working.”

New data also shows COVID-19 related deaths in nursing homes declined by 63 percent since Dec. 20, 2020. Last week, AHCA/NCAL announced the nationwide goal of getting 75 percent of all long term staff vaccinated by June 30, 2021​.

“With millions of residents and caregivers now fully protected thanks to the vaccines, residents must be able to safely reengage in meaningful activities and be reunited with their loved ones,” Parkinson said.