The first wave of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is diminishing in many of the states that were hit first (e.g., New York) but growing in other states that initially escaped the worst of the outbreak (e.g., Arkansas) and in some states that are moving to reopen quickly (e.g., Georgia). COVID-19 remains an unpredictable virus, says Alice Bonner, PhD, APRN, GNP, senior advisor for aging at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement in Boston, MA, and a member of the board of directors at AMDA – The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine.

“We can take our best experience and expertise and be logical and thoughtful, but we still don’t know what will happen next,” explains Bonner. “For example, as states move through the three phases of reopening, some states have seen an uptick in COVID-19 cases, and we don’t know if those upticks will flatten out or if those states will see new peaks in an extended first wave. Consequently, it’s important to think ahead, plan, and be strategic in planning for another outbreak.” 

No matter what happens with the ongoing first wave, most infectious disease specialists predict that a second wave will occur sometime this fall or winter, adds Laura Hofmann, MSN, RN, director of clinical and nursing facility regulatory services for LeadingAge Washington in Tacoma, WA. To prepare for another surge in COVID-19 cases, many providers are focused on establishing a testing program. Full Article

By Caralyn Davis, Staff Writer – June 16, 2020

Questons?

Contact:

Laura Hofmann, MSN, RN – Director of Clinical and Nursing Facility Regulatory Services
c: 425-231-4804