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COVID-19 Impact on Nursing Homes and ALFs

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We have all heard the news about the multiple, unnecessary deaths at a nursing home in Washington State and what we are being told was missed opportunities to prevent those deaths. While this is a novel virus with no currently known vaccines or treatment for it, what we have learned is that this nursing home was told to prepare for the virus by doing simple things such as checking its hygiene and infection controls.  This was either simply not done at nursing home or they may have failed to follow their own policies and procedures. Moreover, what we have learned is that they did not take steps to prevent the spread of the virus and apparently failed to recognize that this “respiratory illness” was COVID-19. There were missed opportunities throughout.  While this is a very contagious virus, what we know is that there are various measures that can be taken to prevent the spread of the virus. Nursing Homes, Rehab facilities and ALFs across the State of Florida have been advised to take such measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

What we have heard in the media is that the nursing home in Washington State thought that they were just dealing with an increase of influenza cases.   As we now know, this was not the case.  In fact, although the Influenza tests were all apparently coming back negative, it appears that the nursing home failed to realize that what they were dealing with was COVID-19 even though Washington State was already on high alert that there was Coronavirus in the State.

It is alleged that even after learning that two people at nursing home had tested positive for Coronavirus, the nursing home still permitted visitors to come to the facility, still had residents participating in social events and apparently failed to undertake the necessary precaution to prevent the spread of the virus.

In the State of Florida, residents of nursing homes, rehab facilities and ALF are protected under the Florida Statutes.  If their rights are violated as a result of the Nursing Home, rehab facility or ALFs actions and/or inactions, the residents have legal recourse.

If you believe that your loved one was unnecessarily exposed to COVID-19 and suffered any injuries as a result, whether it be through the healthcare providers failure to prevent the spread of the virus by taking the necessary precautions and steps, and/or their failure to diagnose and treat the virus, give us a call and we can set up a free consultation. You can reach our team of experienced attorneys at 305-371-3666.

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