Covid-19 and Nursing Homes

Sam T Donta^*
*Correspondence: Sam T Donta, Department of Medicine, Infectious Disease Society of America, Falmouth Hospital, United States, Tel: 5085401306, Email:

In the wake of numerous deaths associated with COVID-19 in nursing homes, it has become apparent that a number of these homes and other long-term care facilities do not have an Infectious Disease specialist as their consulting medical staff physician. As a recommendation, our Society could encourage its Members and Fellows to offer their services as the consulting medical staff. Our Society might also contact State Health Departments to make the recommendation that nursing homes, other long-term facilities, and rehabilitation facilities have an Infectious Disease specialist on their consulting staff, such that quick responses could be made in the event of any future outbreaks of illness or pandemic. Having an Infectious Disease specialist in place would ensure quicker and more appropriate courses of actions than has occurred in a number of such facilities during this pandemic. Including training and experience in Infectious Disease Control practices should also be a recommendation for residents going into Infectious Disease Fellowships.