Nursing Homes Skew Livingston Coronavirus Death Rate: Officials

LIVINGSTON, NJ — Livingston is likely seeing a “disproportionately high” mortality rate from the new coronavirus because of the number of long-term care (LTC) facilities in the township, officials say.

On Wednesday, Livingston officials released their latest COVID-19 totals, which included 412 confirmed cases and 60 deaths linked to the disease, a 14.5 percent fatality rate. (See more statistics below)

New Jersey had 131,890 cases of the virus and 8,549 deaths as of Wednesday, a fatality rate of 6.4 percent, according to the state health department.

Livingston officials said that although all local nursing homes and other LTCs are complying with state health requirements, they’re also contributing to the high COVID-19 death rate in the township.

Livingston officials wrote:

“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 … It is largely because of the number of 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.”

Officials continued:

“As many residents have undoubtedly learned from the news and Governor Phil 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.”

Livingston officials added:

“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.”

Officials said that 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 here.

The LHD will continue to monitor and communicate with local LTCs, and the Livingston Office of Emergency Management will continue to be a resource for LTCs in procuring personal protective equipment such as masks and gloves, officials said.

LIVINGSTON COVID-19 STATISTICS: MAY 6

The Township of Livingston released the following information on Wednesday.

Livingston officials said:

"As reflected above, 5 percent of the deceased were over 100 years old, 31 percent were between 90 and 99 years old, 45 percent were between 80 and 89 years old, and 7 percent were between 75 and 79 years old, meaning that 89 percent 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."

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