(TRENTON) – Assemblywoman Joann Downey (D-Monmouth), chair of the Assembly Human Services Committee, released the following statement on the spread of COVID-19 in New Jersey’s long term care facilities:
“I am deeply troubled by the staggering number of COVID-19 cases and deaths reported from long term care facilities across New Jersey. It’s heartbreaking to see our most vulnerable populations – the elderly, the sick and the disabled – so devastatingly impacted by this public health crisis.
“We know long term care facilities are facing enormous challenges at this difficult time. Going forward, we must ensure long term care facilities are equipped with adequate staffing and personal protective equipment, and have strict social distancing and visitor restrictions in place in order to keep residents safe. If they fail to meet these basic standards, they must be held accountable.”