Florida Nursing Homes Continue to Struggle with Widespread Coronavirus Outbreaks

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on July 13, 2020

As the number of coronavirus cases continues to dramatically increase, Florida has now been deemed the new “epicenter” of the pandemic, recording a whopping 15,299 positive cases in a single day. Many are blaming the surge on a plethora of reasons, including haphazard government leadership, disjointed closures, and just a sheer unwillingness to abide by proper social distancing guidelines – all of which has put an entire population of people with immuno-compromised systems, such as the elderly, at risk.

The latest reports from the Florida Department of Health were released on Sunday, July 12th, indicating that more than 2,800 patients and 4,922 workers have been infected with COVID-19 since the beginning of the year. At least five different assisted living facilities throughout Volusia County specifically are suffering from coronavirus outbreaks, the latest of which are:

• Bishop’s Glen Retirement Center – 15 residents, 11 staff members
• Ocean View Nursing and Rehab Center – 19 residents, 3 staff members
• Opis Coquina Center – 41 residents (that have since been transferred), 14 staff members
• Sunrise Community of Northeast Florida – 10 residents, unknown number of staff members
• University East Rehabilitation Center – 18 residents, 8 staff members

New Smyrna Beach nursing home administrator Joe Hager released a statement to News6 regarding the recent uptick in positive COVID-19 cases in residents and workers. “Unfortunately, there has been a surge of positive COVID cases throughout Florida and now in Volusia County. Regretfully, a group of residents and staff have tested positive. We immediately implemented isolation protocols of our residents and sent any positive tested staff member home to recover. Further, any resident that becomes symptomatic will be sent to acute care for treatment,” he said.

Unlike other states that are suffering from a surge in coronavirus cases, Governor Ron DeSantis has repeatedly said that he does not intend to make mask-wearing a statewide mandate, regardless of the numbers. Instead, he is leaving those types of decisions for local governments to decide. Major counties with the highest numbers are going a further step by shutting down “hot zone” establishments like bars, restaurants, and beaches.

The future is uncertain when it comes to fighting this deadly disease, and we can only hope that our battle with COVID-19 is close to being over. Until then, the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, P.A. reminds everyone to stay safe, wash your hands, and follow social distancing guidelines.

Sources:

• Florida reports 15,000 new coronavirus cases, smashing national record
• New Smyrna Beach nursing home latest Volusia facility with coronavirus outbreak

James O. Cunningham

Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.