Senator Carter calls for increased testing for direct care workers
Thursday, July 9, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Senator Carter calls for increased testing for direct care workers
(State Capitol, Phoenix) - State Senator Heather Carter today called for state government to increase its efforts in providing COVID-19 testing for all direct care workers that tend to individuals in long-term care facilities, assisted living facilities, nursing homes and group homes.
“We have to get to a place where we are conducting frequent tests of those providing daily care to our most vulnerable populations, the elderly and those with development disabilities,” said Senator Carter. “Increased testing will not only protect the residents and workers in these facilities, but will offer peace of mind to families, especially during this period of restricted visitation.”
65% of all Coronavirus deaths in Maricopa County have occurred in long term care and related facilities. “With limitations on personal protective equipment available to the staff, we continue to see infection rates surge within congregate settings in Arizona,” observed Dana Kennedy, state director for AARP Arizona. “Testing will help control the spread of the virus among the residents, staff and the community at large, as staff and others come and go from these facilities."
“Families have entrusted state government to protect their loved ones and we have a moral and ethical obligation to do just that, said Senator Carter. “A safe living environment is not only crucial to the residents of these facilities, but we owe the same to the heroes that provide their care, which is often the difficult and unglamorous work of angels."
Kennedy added that “testing is critical to being a able to allow families to once again visit with their loved ones."
Senator Carter, as vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services is committed to working with Governor Ducey and the Arizona Department of Health Services to increase the state state’s capacity to offer frequently testing in long-term care facilities throughout Arizona.
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