WASHINGTON — Nursing homes throughout the country are seeing the lowest rate of new COVID cases since last year's peak, especially now that many residents have been vaccinated.
The report comes from the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), which represents more than 14,000 facilities that are home to five million residents nationwide.
Since December 20, nursing homes have seen an 96 percent decline in new cases and a 91 percent decline in deaths.
READ MORE: A week by week look at COVID-19 in Maryland's nursing homes
Officials say the trends indicate the effectiveness of vaccines.
“We are not out of the woods yet, but these numbers are incredibly encouraging and a major morale booster for frontline caregivers who have been working tirelessly for more than a year to protect our residents,” said Mark Parkinson, president and CEO of AHCA/NCAL. “This trend shows that when long term care is prioritized, as with the national vaccine rollout, we can protect our vulnerable elderly population."
