Wasserman Schultz sounds alarm about nursing home safety shortages

Florida Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D) is sounding the alarm on the lack of protective gear that nursing home nurses have received, sharing on Twitter an article that notes the lack of gowns and masks that nurses have to work with. Arguing that “even with adequate PPE, coronavirus can still rip through nursing homes at horrifying speed, infecting residents and staff.” The Florida lawmaker added that “it is unacceptable that 1 in 5 FL nursing homes lack basics like masks and gowns, despite state promises of help.”

In the article, Jared Moskowitz (D), the director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, commented on the matter on, saying on May 6th that Florida is going to "have 10 million masks in reserve by the time hurricane season starts." However, with hurricane season underway, it's estimated that about 10% of Florida nursing homes don't have a one-week supply of eye protection in addition to the 5% that don't have a one-week supply of hand sanitizer and gloves. As well, a great number of Florida nursing homes also argue that they don't have a one-week supply of N95 masks when compared to national nursing homes.

In speaking to the Floridian regarding what the sunshine state has planned to keep Floridians safe as the state opens its economy, Moskowitz commented that “we’re working with the Department of Health,” Moskowitz added that “everything we’re doing now prepares for a second wave.” Furthermore, he noted that he’s “created all these reserves in PPE. Whether I use that for a hurricane or second wave, it’s preparation.”

Ultimately, for Moskowitz, “it’s about making sure that we have the tools and the supplies and the policies in place that if we have to snap back some things like… long-term care facilities, we’re ready to do so.”