California’s COVID-19 pandemic has evolved tremendously since it began in March, but one thing that hasn’t changed is that residents of skilled nursing facilities remain particularly at risk of severe infection and death. Although COVID-19 cases in skilled nursing facilities account for only 3 percent of the state’s overall caseload, almost 20 percent of the state’s deaths have occurred among these vulnerable residents.
This week’s COVID-19 update explores the impacts of the virus on nursing homes both statewide and in our area, featuring excerpts from an interview with Kristof Stremikis, director of market analysis for the California Health Care Foundation. We also provide an update on the new ICU nurses being hired by hospitals in Kern County and explain why health officials are taking time out of their COVID-19 messaging to urge the public to get their flu shots.
Here’s a snapshot for Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, and Tulare Counties (note that some numbers may have changed between the interview and publication):
As of August 20:
- 883 deaths out of 78,941 cases
- 639 people hospitalized and 171 in ICUs
- In the last week, 87 people succumbed to the disease
- Average cases reported daily in the last week: 1,117
For comparison, as of August 13:
- 796 deaths out of 71,119 cases
- 701 people hospitalized and 169 in ICUs
- In the last week, 121 people succumbed to the disease
- Average cases reported daily in the last week: 1,539
You can always find up-to-date information for your county here.
