New York State May Have Underreported Covid-Related Nursing Home Deaths

A new report suggests New York state may have been undercounting their Covid-19 related nursing home deaths. The report conducted by the state Attorney General’s Office surveyed 62 nursing homes, which is about a 10% representation of the total facilities statewide. Their preliminary findings concluded that underreporting could be as high as 50%. If true, this means New York has seen close to 13,000 coronavirus-related nursing home deaths which would be the highest in the nation. The official tally, which was logged by the state’s health department, currently stands at around 8,700. It’s believed the error may be attributed to several factors. This includes nursing home residents who died in hospitals and accusations that nursing homes may have also been largely underreporting their deaths to the state. The state health commissioner claims none of this is true, but it’s done little to deter the heavy criticism the state department of health and Governor Andrew Cuomo are now facing. The attorney general said the reports will warrant further investigating.