Coronavirus Puts Long-Term Care Centers in the Spotlight

As the number of U.S. coronavirus cases continues to increase, people with compromised immunity, including those living in long-term facilities, are especially at risk. Cleaning staff at these centers are instrumental in stopping the spread of the virus which causes COVID-19 by keeping up with strict cleaning protocols and remembering to follow proper hand hygiene, McKnight’s Senior Living reports.

The novel coronavirus has been spreading unnoticed in Washington state, with the country’s first two coronavirus deaths both occurring in King County. Health officials are currently investigating an outbreak of COVID-19 at a nursing home in Kirkland, Washington, KING-TV reports. So far at least nine people who live or work at the Life Care Center of Kirkland have tested positive for COVID-19 through the state’s health lab and four have died. Their tests are awaiting confirmation from federal labs.

Most of those who tested positive were elderly and suffered from underlying health conditions. More than 50 individuals associated with the center are showing symptoms of respiratory illness or have been hospitalized with pneumonia. All are being tested for COVID-19. In the meantime, the facility is under quarantine and strict protocols are being following for cleaning and disinfecting as well as handwashing.

Even without an outbreak, maintaining a long-term care center requests adherence to precise workloading procedures. Read probing questions—and detailed answers—about workloading an assisted living facility.