ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York state is now reporting more than 1,700 previously undisclosed deaths at nursing homes and adult care facilities as the state faces scrutiny over how it's protected vulnerable residents during the coronavirus pandemic.
At least 4,813 residents with confirmed or presumed cases of COVID-19 have died at 351 of New York's 613 nursing homes since March 1
That's according to Gov. Andrew Cuomo's administration's new list released late Monday that includes the reported number of both confirmed and presumed deaths as of Sunday evening.
Nursing home residents have made up roughly one-fourth to one-fifth of the state's official tally of fatalities.
Across the eight Western new York counties nearly 41% of deaths are in nursing homes.
Based on data released Wednesday, there have been 370 deaths in the region with 151 of them being reported as confirmed cases of COVID-19.
24 additional cases are "presumed" to be related to COVID-19.
Here's the breakdown:
Allegany County - 1 total death, 0 COVID-19 nursing home deaths, 0 presumed nursing home death cases
Cattaragus County - 2 total deaths, 0 confirmed COVID-19 nursing home deaths, 0 presumed nursing home death cases
Chautauqua County - 4 total deaths, 0 confirmed COVID-19 nursing home deaths, 0 presumed nursing home death cases
Erie County - 308 total deaths, 121 confirmed COVID-19 nursing home deaths, 7 presumed nursing home death cases
Genessee County - 3 total deaths, 0 confirmed COVID-19 nursing home deaths, 0 presumed nursing home death cases
Niagara County - 30834 total deaths, 15 confirmed COVID-19 nursing home deaths, 2 presumed nursing home death cases
Orleans County - 13 total deaths, 12 confirmed COVID-19 nursing home deaths, 0 presumed nursing home death cases
Wyoming County - 5 total deaths, 2 confirmed COVID-19 nursing home deaths, 0 presumed nursing home death cases
Because of these high numbers Assemblyman Sean Ryan is pushing the State Department of Health to do more.
He's asking for more unannounced visits to nursing homes, more harsh sanctions, and more transparency for families and the public.
The Department of Health has received 2,502 complaints from March 1 to April 28, 2020.
It says all nursing home visits will be done unannounced and has completed 725 inspections/screenings to date, including more than 40 comprehensive site visits.
"If DOH determines that the facilities failed to comply with directives and guidance, DOH will immediately require the facility to submit an action plan, and facilities could be fined $10,000 per violation or potentially lose their operating license."
