The Coronavirus: What are nursing homes doing?

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COVID-19, or the coronavirus, is more dangerous for older people. Unlike the flu or other illnesses, younger people haven’t gotten as sick or died from the virus at the same rate as those over the age of 70.

The Centers for Disease Control has said about 80% of the people who test positive for the coronavirus will experience mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. However, the illness has been more deadly for older patients who contract the virus.

As a result, nursing facilities, personal care homes and assisted living residences have taken precautions and limited visitations to keep the virus from spreading to vulnerable older or disabled residents.

Zach Shamberg, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Health Care Association that advocates for care providers is on Monday’s Smart Talk to explain.

Also appearing on Smart Talk is Eric Martin, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Management at Bucknell University who studies disaster response. Dr.  Jessica Ericson, MD., is a Pediatric Infectious Disease physician with Penn State Children’s Hospital and she appears on Smart Talk to discuss ways to mitigate viral exposure.