NEWBURGH – Assembymember Jonathan Jacobson (D-104) has called on the Department of Health to reverse its March 25th directive stating that nursing homes cannot deny the admission of residents solely based on a confirmed or suspected diagnosis of COVID-19.
In a letter he sent to Department of Health Commissioner, Dr. Howard Zucker, Jacobson wrote:
“Nursing homes—with their dense populations of older residents—are ideal breeding grounds for any virus, particularly one that is as deadly and as easily transmitted as COVID-19.
“Nearly a month ago, nursing homes banned outside visitors to reduce the possibility of the virus entering facilities. This decision makes perfect sense. That is why I was shocked to learn that the DOH’s March 25th directive makes it illegal for nursing homes in the Hudson Valley and throughout the State to “deny the admission of residents solely based on a confirmed or suspected diagnosis of COVID-19.”
“I first learned of this situation in a news story reported today and felt compelled to communicate my concerns immediately.
“Nursing homes are simply not equipped to act as hospitals and should not be used as depositories for infected individuals. Instead, they should rehabilitate in a facility specifically designated for recovering COVID-19 patients and separate from any nursing homes or anywhere large populations of elderly residents are housed. I urge you to “do no harm” and reverse this directive.”
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