Pennsylvania is setting up four regional support sites with as many as 120 beds to help hospitals and nursing homes under strain from COVID-19.
The Pennsylvania Health Care Association says 85% of residents and more than 60% of nursing home staff have been vaccinated.
A recent department survey of Pennsylvania’s long-term care facilities showed that nearly 80% of residents and 50% of staffers have been vaccinated.
Long-term care facilities were prioritized for vaccinations, and at this point the Pennsylvania Department of Health reports that 95% of them have held at least one vaccine clinic, or have a plan to hold these clinics.
Coronavirus cases have dropped at U.S. nursing homes and other long-term care facilities over the past few weeks, offering a glimmer of hope that health officials attribute to the start of vaccinations, an easing of the post-holiday surge and better prevention, among other reasons.
Ongoing restrictions in those facilities will remain in place at least 28 days after the respective facility’s county enters the green phase.
By Aneri Pattani/Spotlight PA 