As we recently reported, on October 2, 2020, Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) leadership alerted IHCA/INCAL and leaders of the other long-term care associations of a recent uptick in COVID-19 cases among long-term care residents and staff.
On December 9, 2020, the state’s Long-Term Care Data Dashboard was updated with the most recent resident and staff cases and death numbers. This week, the Long-Term Care Data Dashboard reported 1,580 new resident positive cases (3/26/2020 – 12/8/2020) and 253 resident deaths (9/28/2020 – 12/8/2020). 1,222 new staff positive cases for the period of (8/6/2020 – 12/8/2020) were also reported this week. This data represents a prolonged increase in new COVID-19 cases in residents since the Long-Term Care Dashboard was launched (see historical numbers below).
- 12/2 Dashboard – 654 Resident Cases
- 11/25 Dashboard – 1,207 Resident Cases
- 11/18 Dashboard – 1,135 Resident Cases
- 11/11 Dashboard – 743 Resident Cases
- 11/4 Dashboard – 856 Resident Cases
- 10/28 Dashboard – 678 Resident Cases
- 10/21 Dashboard – 506 Resident Cases
- 10/14 Dashboard – 457 Resident Cases
- 10/7 Dashboard – 427 Resident Cases
- 9/30 Dashboard – 276 Resident Cases
- 9/23 Dashboard – 236 Resident Cases
- 9/16 Dashboard – 159 Resident Cases
- 9/9 Dashboard – 192 Resident Cases
- 9/2 Dashboard – 193 Resident Cases
- 8/26 Dashboard – 168 Resident Cases
- 8/19 Dashboard – 158 Resident Cases
- 8/12 Dashboard – 215 Resident Cases
Current hotspots include Central Indiana and many of the state’s border counties as shown in the below ISDH County Metrics Map, which can be found on the state’s main COVID-19 Dashboard. The ISDH County Metrics Map indicates changes in weekly cases per 100,000 residents and changes in the 7-day all tests positivity rate per county, and is a good resource to reference for indications of community spread so long-term care facilities can respond accordingly. Overall, there are no Blue County in Indiana this week, indicating increasing community spread. Please note, the ISDH County Metrics Map is separate and distinct from the weekly data CMS publishes to indicate routine testing levels.
ISDH County Metrics Map
All long-term care facilities, including nursing facilities and assisted living communities, are being asked to double down on and strengthen infection prevention and control protocols at this important juncture, including screening staff at the start of each shift for symptoms; screening residents daily; ensuring staff, residents, and visitors wash their hands/utilize alcohol-based hand sanitizer regularly; and ensuring staff and visitors wear their masks at all times. For IHCA/INCAL’s summary on the Indiana Department of Health’s updated Infection Control Guidance, please click here. All long-term care personnel should also be reminded that any social gathering is a risk and social distancing and mask wearing is essential.
For more information on staffing and infection control resources, please click here. Specifically, the health care volunteer network developed early on in the pandemic is available for long-term care facilities to access. Facilities are encouraged to use this resource and can do so with the following form.