A new report from AARP says deaths in Florida’s nursing homes doubled during the Thanksgiving holiday.
But the state's rate was dramatically lower than the national average as COVID-19 infections surged nationwide.
In the three weeks straddling the Thanksgiving holiday, the rate of deaths in Florida nursing homes was 4.7 for every 1,000 residents. That was more than double the 2.3-death average recorded in the four weeks leading into the holiday.
The rise in deaths has advocates worried about Christmas gatherings and other yearend celebrations.
Gov. Ron DeSantis has said he has made it a priority to protect the state’s elderly.
According to AARP analysis, over four weeks from mid-October to mid-November, 8,436 nursing home residents died from the #coronavirus. See why, despite the devastating numbers, experts expect things to get worse before they get better. https://t.co/v909gBxQ0h
— AARP (@AARP) December 21, 2020
