How to crack down on COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes

A recent Sun-Times report regarding high numbers of COVID-19 nursing home deaths in Illinois confirms the worst fears of nursing home residents and their families, that the very institutions entrusted to care for their loved ones are putting profits over patient safety. This crisis demands bold action.

The first step to save lives is to evacuate coronavirus-infected residents from the lowest-rated facilities until the virus is contained or they recover. The emergency field hospital at McCormick Place can accept them and provide the specialized care vulnerable seniors urgently need.

To protect residents remaining in nursing homes, I have asked the Illinois Department of Public Health to conduct investigations, known as Infectious Disease Surveys, at all facilities but prioritize those with the highest incidence of health and safety violations. I’ve also called for the Cook County Department of Public Health to provide technical support to these facilities.

And the state should tap a large portion of the billions it receives from the federal CARES Act to improve conditions for nursing home residents and staff, because the health and safety of the residents goes hand in hand with the health and safety of the workers who care for them.

Thousands of nursing home workers, mostly black and brown women, risk their lives — and the lives of their families — at work every day. They deserve $15 per hour minimum wage, COVID-19 hazard pay, paid sick leave and adequate PPE, which many still lack.

These for-profit corporations must be held accountable. If they cannot clean up their act, the state should consider serious fines or putting the institutions into receivership.

Brandon Johnson, Cook County commissioner