Two-thirds of coronavirus deaths in Western North Carolina are linked to nursing homes and other congregate living facilities, according to a Citizen Times analysis of state public health data.
The 17 westernmost counties have 52 deaths, according to North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services data from the afternoon of May 15. Of those COVID-19 deaths, 35, or 67%, are linked to congregate living facilities, specifically nursing homes and residential care facilities.
Nationwide, one-third of deaths are linked to the facilities, according to the New York Times. In North Carolina it is 57%, the Times said.
Nearly all, 32, of the WNC facility-linked deaths happened in Henderson County. Three were in Polk.
More: Understanding the coronavirus 'curve'
Buncombe official calling for change in testing
The analysis comes as Buncombe County experiences its first nursing home infections, with confirmation of three different facilities hit by the virus in the last two days. More are expected, county health officials say. There have been no deaths in Buncombe linked to congregate living facilities.
Reacting to the deaths figure provided by the Citizen Times, the county's top elected official, Buncombe Board of Commissioners Chair Brownie Newman, called for expanding nursing home testing beyond state recommendations.
“This highlights the need for regular testing of staff who work in nursing homes and similar facilities who have close contact with residents under their care," said Newman who advocated for changes prior to the local nursing home infections. "Because many people with COVID-19 are asymptomatic, regular testing is essential to detect active cases before widespread transmission of this contagious disease to our vulnerable senior citizens.”
But county public health officials have largely followed state guidance, which has recommended testing any patient with signs or symptoms of COVID-19. NCDHHS also recommended testing staff and residents of a facility where a case is identified
State guidelines have not called for testing asymptomatic individuals in facilities with no infections.
On the afternoon of May 15 NCDHHS issued new testing guidance, with some changes for nursing homes. New guidelines now say people who live in or have regular contact with high-risk settings, including long-term care facilities "should have access to testing."
NCDHHS spokeswoman Catie Armstrong said she was not sure if having access was the same as recommending tests be done.
Legislators, candidates weigh in
Most local state legislators and candidates said they supported stronger guidelines and more testing.
Rep. John Ager, of Fairview, like other Democrats favored new and clear guidance.
"I think there should be ongoing random testing beyond temperature checks for employees. Every effort needs to be made to keep employees and residents at a distance," said Ager who represents the 115th District.
His Republican opponent in the November election, Mark Crawford of Black Mountain, agreed, saying testing after an infection or outbreak was "akin to closing the barn doors after the horses have left."
Crawford criticized Ager and other legislators for not forcing a change in the guidance or "much less even making that effort."
Rep. Susan Fisher, D-Asheville of the 114th District said she believed the state had "gotten to a place where we could afford to test a few more folks. And maybe do some random testing."
Her GOP challenger Tim Hyatt said having had his mother in nursing home until she died in 2017 convinced him of the need for testing expansion.
"I think nursing homes and the legislature should reevaluate state guidance on a regular basis," Hyatt said.
Republican Eric Burns, a candidate for the 116th NC House District, said he too wanted health officials to recommend more testing.
"I believe the state should adapt its guidance accordingly to protect the most vulnerable members of our state," Burns said.
Two Republicans say state guidance not needed
But two Republicans, NC Sen. Chuck Edwards, R-Flat Rock, and 49th Senate District candidate Bob Penland of Candler, said private sector groups should set their own guidelines.
Edwards, who represents the 48th District, including Henderson County said the Covid Relief Act gave $25 million to NCDHHS to ramp up testing and contact tracing where outbreaks occur and $7.5 million to the NC Senior Living Association and the NC Health Care Facilities Association to purchase PPE for testing.
"Hopefully they will use these funds wisely to target outbreak areas and make sure there are enough testing supplies in such facilities," he said.
His Democratic opponent, Mills River Town Councilman Brian Caskey, said nursing home outbreaks highlight how such facilities were weakened by corporations who bought them and made cuts to increase profits. He said he would sponsor legislation to mandate improvements.
"The long-term answer is more oversight at the state level. The immediate answer is more testing, of course."
49th District GOP candidate Penland said those "on the front line" should make the decisions.
"I do not believe in trying to legislate preventive medicine as you find too many unintended consequences with that approach."
More: Coronavirus daily update
City Councilwoman Julie Mayfield, the Democratic 49th District candidate, declined to comment on whether the state should change its guidance, saying it would be better for local government to take action, as advocated by Newman, the commissioners' chairman.
"If the tests are available for the broader testing Brownie is suggesting, then it could be a good, preventive step," Mayfield said.
Joel Burgess has lived in WNC for more than 20 years, covering politics, government and other news. He's written award-winning stories on topics ranging from gerrymandering to police use of force. Please help support this type of journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times.
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