A sharp increase in COVID-19 cases has been registered among people with disabilities who live in group homes, apartments and centers overseen by the state in New Jersey, according to a recent news report that looks at the data over the past month.
As per the state Department of Human Services, since the outbreak began, 841 residents have tested positive for coronavirus in community living programs and 135 COVID-related deaths have been reported.
This is up from 86 positive cases and 12 deaths reported in early April, after advocates complained that individuals with disabilities and their caretakers had been forgotten during the state’s coronavirus planning.
“These are tremendous challenges, and the administration will continue to take all available steps to best support their needs in this very difficult time.” said Department of Human Services spokesman Tom Hester.
Throughout the state, companies that run the homes have said that obtaining personal protective equipment such as masks and gloves was the single most important step needed to protect their clients.
