NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Mike Osborne) -- State health officials have for the first time released data on nursing home COVID-19 cases and deaths. The new numbers reveal most are located here in Middle Tennessee.
As of Wednesday, officials have confirmed 375 virus positive residents in 22 nursing homes statewide. About three out of four of those cases are mid-state residents.
Thirty-seven nursing home residents have died due to COVID-19 complications. Roughly six in ten of those fatalities also reported here in Middle Tennessee. To date, no senior home deaths have occurred in Nashville.
Going forward, the state will require nursing homes to notify residents, families, and health officials immediately when a resident or staff member tests positive. Aggressive contact tracing, facility cleaning, and daily updates are also now mandatory.
Officials say an update on nursing home coronavirus cases and deaths will be provided once each week.
