TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy on Wednesday unveiled and endorsed recommendations on improving nursing homes’ responses to outbreaks after COVID-19 ravaged long-term care facilities in the state.
The 100-page report calls for improving nursing homes’ emergency response by consolidating operations for all facilities in a single center. The plan also called for increasing wages and ensuring access to paid sick leave.
The report was compiled by consultants at the firm Manatt, which Murphy’s administration hired for $500,000, according to records obtained under the open records act.
New Jersey’s long-term care facilities have been had hit by the outbreak, accounting for nearly half of the state’s fatalities from the virus.
Murphy reported Wednesday that there were 5,076 lab-confirmed deaths among residents and staff at long-term care facilities.
He also reported 112 new deaths overnight, bringing the death toll to 11,880. There were about 650 new positive cases, for a statewide total of more than 160,000.
Murphy also said that he would sign an executive order paving the way for restaurants to reopen June 15, provided they have only outdoor seating, which must be spaced 6 feet apart.
He had earlier announced the restaurant reopening, but unveiled plans for the executive order for the first time Wednesday.
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