Livingston Cases And Long-Term Care Facilities During Coronavirus As Of May 6

Press release from the Livingston Township:

May 6, 2020

Local Update

The Township of Livingston has released updated COVID-19 information on the local cases as well as information on Long-Term Care Facilities in the Township.

Updated information on local cases is as follows:

Date: May 6, 2020

Total Confirmed COVID-19 Cases 412

Confirmed Cases from Long-Term Care Facilities (LTCs)178

Total Number of Livingston COVID-19 Deaths 60

Average Age of all COVID-19 Deceased 84.67 years old

COVID-19 deceased from LTC Facilities 48

Average Age of COVID-19 deceased from LTC facilities 86.88 years old

COVID-19 deceased from private residences 13

Average Age of COVID-19 deceased from private residences 77.02

Below is an updated chart showing the breakdown of Livingston COVID-19 deaths by Age Bracket:

As reflected above, 5% of the deceased were over 100 years old, 31% were between 90 and 99 years old, 45% were between 80 and 89 years old, and 7% were between 75 and 79 years old, meaning that 89% of the deceased were 75 years old and older. Only 7 of the deceased were under 75 years old and 6 of those 7 were at least 55 years old and each had one or more underlying medical conditions. Sadly, one of the deceased was only 37 years old, but was affected with multiple serious underlying medical conditions.

As the medical experts have unanimously stated, the elderly and those with serious underlying medical conditions are the most at risk for serious complications, including death, from COVID-19 and Livingston’s experience is fully consistent. One commonly asked question is why the number of deaths and mortality rate appears to be disproportionately high in Livingston. As reflected below, it is largely because of the number of Long-Term Care Facilities (LTCs) located in Livingston, which include nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and acute care and rehabilitation facilities. The subject of Long-Term Care Facilities and the high infection and mortality rates at those facilities has received considerable attention at the Statewide level.

Long-Term Care Facilities (“LTCs”)

As many residents have undoubtedly learned from the news and Governor Murphy’s daily briefings to our state, Long-Term Care Facilities have emerged as a significant area of concern due to the disproportionately high number of cases and deaths from COVID-19 originating in LTCs. Livingston’s experience, as reflected above, is no different; with 43% of all cases and 80% of all deaths coming from LTCs. Residents have understandably expressed concerns over the LTC issue, and specifically those LTCs located in our community.

Initially, Long-Term Care Facilities in New Jersey are licensed, inspected and regulated by the State of New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) and the Livingston Health Department (LHD) has no legal jurisdiction over LTCs. However, the Livingston Health Department is notified by the State of any violations and also has a working relationship and regular communication with the managers and administrators of our local LTCs, even more so during this crisis.

The LHD has confirmed that all local LTCs are currently complying with the latest requirements, guidelines and best practices issued by the NJDOH. The history of conditions and experiences at all LTCs statewide will be reviewed by the NJDOH and they are the entity with jurisdiction to address any violations or issues at LTCs.

Residents who have loved ones at local LTCs and who have concerns or complaints should also be aware that the Governor, the Attorney General and the NJDOH have a telephone hotline, 1-800-792-9770, as well as an online portal to report such concerns or complaints at:

https://web.doh.state.nj.us/fc/search.aspx

The LHD will continue to monitor and communicate with our local LTCs and the Livingston Office of Emergency Management has, and will continue to be a resource for LTCs in procuring PPE, masks, gloves, etc.

Press Release, 5/6/2020 (PDF)

Find more COVID-19 information for Livingston residents at livingstonnj.org/COVID-19.

This press release was produced by the Livingston Township>. The views expressed here are the author’s own.