One in five Florida nursing homes tell feds: We hardly have any gowns, mask

[flamingdem]

https://www.miamiherald.com/news/coronavirus/article243279956.html

Nearly one in five Florida nursing homes say they do not have a one-week supply of protective gowns or the N95 masks recommended for care of patients with COVID-19, according to new data released by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid.

A handful of nursing homes say they do not have any gowns or N95 masks at all.

The data, which is current through May 31, provides a glimpse into the conditions at nursing homes, which continue to be ravaged by the novel coronavirus even as much of the state reopens.

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The numbers also stand in stark contrast to what Gov. Ron DeSantis has said in recent days about the state’s efforts to supply nursing homes with protective equipment.

While some facilities had the capacity to equip staff with enough masks, gloves and gowns, other facilities “just don’t have as much,‘’ the governor said in Orlando. “So we’re also putting the money where our mouth is. The state has delivered more than 10 million masks, a million gloves, half a million face shields and 160,000 gowns just to long-term care facilities throughout the course of the pandemic.’’

However, in interviews with the Miami Herald, nursing home staff described how protective gear has been either rationed or hoarded by management, leaving them exposed and working in fear. Administrators said they have received some supplies from the state emergency stockpiles, but it has been far short of meeting the need.


Read more here: https://www.miamiherald.com/news/coronavirus/article243279956.html#storylink=cpy