New Safety Restrictions Issued For Maryland’s Nursing Homes
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) – Gov. Larry Hogan has announced new mandates for Maryland’s nursing homes as officials try to blunt the spread of the coronavirus.
Under the threat of criminal penalties, Hogan’s order says nursing home employees in close contact with residents must wear personal protective gear when providing care.
Nursing homes also must have expedited testing and designated areas where residents with known or suspected COVID-19 are treated.
Hogan says more than 80 nursing homes and long-term care facilities have positive cases or clusters of cases. The most intense cluster is at Pleasant View Nursing Home in Mount Airy.
Three more residents recently died from COVID-19, raising the total deaths at that facility from the coronavirus to ten. All of the residents had underlying medical conditions. The Carroll County Health Department now says that 24 staff members are infected with the virus.
