The coronavirus pandemic affected the way of life for so many people across this country. This is especially true for those who reside in nursing homes. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19 is particularly dangerous for those who are 65 years of age or older and who have chronic health conditions such as heart disease, lung illnesses, diabetes, and weakened immune systems. Residents of nursing homes have a much higher likelihood of fitting into all of these categories.
The latest updates about South Carolina
According to the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), there have been 192 deaths in the state as a result of COVID-19. According to DHEC, 44 residents and staff members of long-term care facilities, including nursing homes, have died due to complications from coronavirus. That means that nursing homes make up 23% of all coronavirus fatalities in the state as of this writing.
The state’s health agency says that the highest number of deaths since early April 2020 happened amongst those who live or work in the 88-bed Midlands Health and Rehabilitation Center in Columbia.
DHEC also states that nearly 600 residents and staff members had been infected with COVID-19 in 62 facilities across the state. There are around 190 nursing homes in South Carolina.
On March 13, 2020, Governor Henry McMaster temporarily ended all visitations to long-term care facilities in order to protect this vulnerable population. DHEC says it has been working with these facilities to help contain the spread of the virus and has found no violations in facilities where people have tested positive.
Do you need an attorney to help?
If your loved one resides in a long-term care facility in South Carolina, we know this is a challenging time for you and your family. If you suspect that your loved one has experienced neglect or abuse in a nursing home, contact the Dan Pruitt Law Firm today. We will investigate your claim in order to secure any compensation your loved one is entitled to. You can contact our Greenville Nursing home attorney for a free consultation today so we can determine what your next steps should be.