\u201cI\u2019m almost at a loss for words at how amazing it is and how exciting,\u201d said Dr. David Gifford, the chief medical officer for the American Health Care Association, which represents thousands of long-term care facilities across the country.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf we are seeing a robust response with this vaccine with the elderly with a highly contagious disease,\u201d he said, \u201cI think that\u2019s a great sign for the rest of the population.\u201d<\/p>\n
Experts attribute the improvements in large part to the distribution of vaccines. About 4.5 million residents and employees in long-term care facilities have received at least one dose of the vaccine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including about 2.1 million who have been fully vaccinated.<\/p>\n
Other factors, including the steep drop in new infections nationwide in recent weeks, may have contributed as well.<\/p>\n
Read it all<\/a>.<\/p>\n New coronavirus cases among nursing home residents in the U.S. have dropped more than 80% since vaccines became available. Deaths have decreased by more than 65%. https:\/\/t.co\/MyLvAxdGFx<\/a><\/p>\n — The New York Times (@nytimes) February 25, 2021<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n \n