Many New York long-term care providers and relatives are in a heightened state of anxiety as the number of COVID-19 cases in the state exceeded 25,000. 

“The most difficult thing is the uncertainty of the situation,” Michael Rosenblut, president and CEO of the Parker Jewish Institute for Healthcare and Rehabilitation, told McKnight’s Long-Term Care News

“The challenges that the unknown presents and the grand scale of what is needed to provide services and care if needed, not only for Parker, but for the entire state and our nation.” 

The New York State Department of Health reported Tuesday afternoon that positive cases reached 25,665, along with about 150 deaths. One of those deaths includes a nursing home resident in the state’s Wyoming County. Several other facilities have reported multiple positive tests. 

“I think it amplifies the situation for everyone. It makes it 10 times worse. You worry that much more [that your] loved one may not make it. You don’t know,” Amorette Miller, the relative of a nursing home resident, told local news outlets.

The Parker Jewish Institute doesn’t have any positive cases. If a resident tests positive, Rosenblut noted that the facility will continue to monitor its infection control practices, and follow federal and state guidelines. 

He added that residents have responded well to new changes, like visitor restrictions, following the pandemic. 

Michael N. Rosenblut

“We see our community coming together in this time with smiles and strength,” Rosenblut said. “We are doing all we can to utilize the technology that we have made investment in to connect our patients and residents with their loved ones via FaceTime, phone and other media to ensure that our community stays engaged and involved with the world around them.” 

In related news, New York is confronting more cases of price gouging of medical supplies. Governor Andrew Cuomo’s office recently stated that face masks, which normally cost about 0.58 cents, are now being sold for $7.50.