Rapid Response Task Force Formed To Protect Nursing Homes

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — Following a number of deaths at nursing homes due to the coronavirus, Hillsborough County nursing homes, emergency officials, first responders, hospitals and state public health officials have created a long-term care facility rapid response task force.

The task force will work to ensure proper infection control practices in nursing homes, widespread coronavirus testing of residents and staff, rapid identification of positive cases, and transport to the appropriate hospital or another facility for recovery.

The announcement was made Thursday at the Hillsborough County Emergency Policy Group semi-weekly meeting.

The Florida Department of Health-Hillsborough County said about 20 percent of confirmed coronavirus cases in Hillsborough County and 30 percent of deaths have been associated with long-term care facilities.

The majority of the 46 deaths reported as of Friday were among people who were over 65 years old.

According to the Florida Department of Health, 21 Hillsborough County nursing and long-term care facilities have reported positive cases of the coronavirus among residents and staff.

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Among them are:

• Bristol at Tampa Rehabilitation and Nursing Center LLC where 10 residents have died.
• Community Convalescent Center where two residents died.
• Promise Pointe at Tampa Oaks where one resident died.

Click here for a list of all Hillsborough County nursing homes that have reported cases of the coronavirus.

See related stories:

• 3 Dead, 36 Hospitalized For Coronavirus At Seminole Nursing Home
• Multiple Ambulances At Nursing Home Causes Neighbor Concern
• These Tampa Bay Nursing Homes Have Cases Of Coronavirus