COVID-19 Continues to Be Problematic in Long Term Care Facilities

While COVID-19 cases in Kentucky’s long-term care facilities have increased 31-percent in August, a task force created by the state in April has not been as active recently prompting questions Wednesday of the state’s Cabinet for Health and Family Services.

Governor Andy Beshear created the task force in April, saying it would partner with outside agencies to coordinate and maximize the efficiency of prevention efforts across Kentucky. Cabinet Secretary Dr. Eric Friedlander said the task force has not been utilized recently.

click to download audioCovid strike teams provide an emergency response model used in natural disasters combat outbreaks and are usually composed of ten people from local emergency management departments, health departments, private businesses, and the National Guard. They help bring more resources and personnel to a disaster scene.

The task force helped with increased testing at the facilities, which account for 11-percent of the state’s cases and 58-percent of the state’s deaths linked to COVID-19. While those numbers are a decline from June and July, the number of COVID-19 cases in long-term care facilities in August has increased over 1,200 this month compared to just over 1,000 in July. However, the number of deaths is down 58-percent in August.
Friedlander said his cabinet has used other methods to help combat the coronavirus in long term care facilities.

click to download audioThe state reported 557 active cases involving long term care residents Wednesday and 341 staff, which are highs for the month.

Also on Wednesday, the state reported 696 new COVID-19 cases with a positivity rate of 4.6-percent — the lowest since July 21. During the media conference, the governor said Todd County reported 48 new cases. However, even with those cases mentioned by Beshear, the state is still over 30 cases behind what the Todd County Health Department is reporting.

Beshear said 16-percent of Wednesday’s new cases involved kids 18 and under and again took time to single out school districts with a case of COVID-19 that began in-person classes ahead of his September 28 recommendation.