Maryland Nursing Homes, Assisted-Living Communities Tightening Coronavirus Restrictions

WBAL TV reports that nursing and assisted-living communities in Maryland are imposing tighter coronavirus restrictions as cases mount. Gov. Larry Hogan on Tuesday announced new restrictions for nursing and assisted-living communities, with indoor family visits limited mainly to compassionate-care visits, while all visitors must have proof of a negative COVID test result within 72 hours beforehand. The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) also has ordered mandatory, twice-weekly testing for all staff at nursing communities, and weekly testing for all residents. Weekly data from MDH on Wednesday estimated 7,007 resident COVID-19 cases and 1,337 deaths in nursing communities. Meanwhile, 3,548 staff cases and 14 deaths were posted last week, while this week saw 5,046 staff cases and 26 deaths. Nursing communities began allowing indoor visits to resume with precautions in October, but now they must take more aggressive action as further health measures are effected on Friday. "We're seeing 15 of the counties in Maryland below the 5 percent positivity rate, and nine are between 5 percent and 10 percent," said LeadingAge Maryland CEO Allison Ciborowski. "So we're definitely seeing increases."