This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
A Quarter Of LA Nursing Homes Have Had Everyone Tested For Coronavirus
Screenshot courtesy L.A. County via YouTube
Nearly half of the COVID-19 deaths in Los Angeles county are nursing home residents.
In an effort to contain the spread, health officials have made rapid testing in nursing homes with ongoing outbreaks their top priority.
Dr. Barbara Ferrer, director of the L.A. County Department of Public Health, said today about one-quarter of the county’s 360 nursing homes have reached the goal of comprehensive testing:
“As of this morning, 95 skilled nursing facilities have been able to test all of their residents and staff.”
In addition, nursing home administrators have reported delays when they tried to order COVID-19 test kits on their own, and Ferrer acknowledged a “continued delay on receiving results in a timely manner.”
Last week the county released a plan to ramp up testing in nursing homes that called for using up to 60,000 test kits per week.
Sponsored message
Our news is free on LAist. To make sure you get our coverage: Sign up for our daily coronavirus newsletter. To support our non-profit public service journalism: Donate Now.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
