Hogan Imposes Stricter Coronavirus Protocols On MD Nursing Homes

MARYLAND — Maryland is stepping up its preparedness and response efforts at nursing homes amid coronavirus outbreaks at least 81 facilities across the state.

On Sunday, Gov. Larry Hogan (R) issued an emergency order requiring facilities to create observation and isolation areas for residents and employees to wear personal protective equipment whenever they come in contact with a patient. The order also expedites all testing through the Maryland State Public Health Laboratory, officials said.

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"As we have been saying for several weeks, older Marylanders and those with underlying health conditions are more vulnerable and at a significantly higher risk of contracting, getting more severely ill, and dying from this disease," Hogan said. "Of major concern is that we currently have cases or clusters of cases at 81 nursing homes and long-term care facilities across the state. Our highest priority is keeping Marylanders safe, and we will use every tool at our disposal to protect the most vulnerable among us."

Here's what nursing homes were specifically ordered to do:

Separate Observation Areas

• All facilities will appoint staff members to care for known or suspected COVID-19 residents
• The observation area will be a separate room, unit, or floor of the nursing homes
  • Admitted residents will remain in the observation area for 14 days

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• All nursing home employees who come in contact with patients must wear PPE
• Protective gear, according to officials, include a face mask, appropriate eye protection, gloves, and a gown

Expedited Testing For Symptomatic Residents

• All facilities must use the most expeditious means available for testing, officials said
  • That includes: using either a COVID-19 test kit provided by the state laboratory or a test kit from another labor to send specimens to the state laboratory
• Symptomatic residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities are among the groups prioritized by the state laboratory

On Friday Hogan expressed concern for clusters of coronavirus cases in nursing homes and long-term care facilities across the state. The major outbreak at the Pleasant View nursing home in Carroll County has 99 confirmed cases among residents and staff, with 42 patients sent to various hospitals last week.

The state's nursing homes have by and large have instituted infection controls procedures such as using personal protective equipment, screening staff coming in, banning visitors. Despite those measures people are still getting the virus, health officials said.

"We are working relentlessly to keep you safe and in your facility, which is your home," Fran Phillips, Maryland's deputy secretary for public health services, said to nursing home residents on Friday.

Nursing home staff members are checked every day for signs of the coronavirus, any staff members who show symptoms have been told to stay home.

Phillips said the nursing home industry must "protect your residents. You must take every measure that has been directed to you in order to reduce transmission. … You must protect your staff, you must have proper personal protective equipment for your staff and educate your staff."

SEE ALSO:

• Maryland Coronavirus Cases Rise To 3,609; Death Toll Now At 67
• Do Not Gather For Worship Due To Coronavirus: MD State Police
• MD Residents Should Wear Face Masks: Health Official
• Here's How Well Maryland Complies With Stay-At-Home Order