Nursing home industry urging public to continue safety steps

“We know from the new research that the prevalence of COVID-19 in the community is directly related to the incidence of the virus entering our congregate settings. Therefore, all Connecticut residents should know that when they follow the guidance, they are helping to defeat COVID-19 in our state’s nursing homes and assisted living communities.”

Representatives of the nursing home and assisted living industry are urging residents “to do their part” and help keep the current spread of the coronavirus low in Connecticut as a way to prevent a resurgence in long-term care facilities.

They credited social distancing, hand washing, the wearing of masks with the decreasing rate of infections and deaths in nursing homes and assisted living centers, which have borne more than half of the state’s deaths.

“We know from the new research that the prevalence of COVID-19 in the community is directly related to the incidence of the virus entering our congregate settings. Therefore, all Connecticut residents should know that when they follow the guidance, they are helping to defeat COVID-19 in our state’s nursing homes and assisted living communities,” said Mag Morelli, president of LeadingAge Connecticut and Matt Barrett, president and CEO the Connecticut Association of Health Care Facilities/Connecticut Center for Assisted Living, in a joint statement.

Data released Thursday evening show there were 58 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in nursing homes from June 24-30 and six COVID-associated deaths. During the pandemic, there have been a total of at least 2,789 deaths in nursing homes, which represents about 64% of the state’s total deaths.

In assisted living facilities, there have been 1,068 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 370 confirmed or probable COVID-associated deaths, a figure that includes three people who had died since last week.

“The pandemic is not over and we must remain vigilant in our efforts to secure protections for older adults and their care providers,” the industry representatives said.

For most people, the virus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness or lead to death.

DMV road tests resume

Road testing services for driver’s licenses, as well as new vehicle registrations, have resumed at select Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles locations. Knowledge testing for motorcycle learner’s permits is scheduled to resume on July 7 at DMV’s Bridgeport and Waterbury locations. Drivers

can make appointments for in-person visits online.

DMV has been working with driving schools since late last month to reduce its backlog of road tests that was created by the COVID-19 pandemic. The agency has been able to schedule nearly 1,000 tests through June 30. Customers whose appointments were canceled due to the pandemic are encouraged to reschedule their appointments online.

More courts to reopen

The state’s Judicial Branch plans to resume operations at eight additional courthouses on July 20. That will bring the total number of courts in operation to 25.

The courts include the Geographical Area No. 2 courthouse in Bridgeport; the Community Court and Housing Sessions courthouse in Hartford; and the Judicial District courthouses in Meriden, Norwich, Waterbury, Hartford and Rockville. Details about what’s reopening can be found online.