Pandemics

As pandemic unfolded, deaths of older adults in Pennsylvania rose steeply in abuse or neglect cases

by

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Pennsylvania recorded a steep increase in the deaths of older adults following an abuse or neglect complaint the last few years, as COVID-19 ravaged the nation, complaints grew and agencies struggled to keep caseworkers on staff. The staggering increase shown in state data — from 120 deaths reported in 2017 to almost … Read more

States are trashing troves of masks and pandemic gear as huge, costly stockpiles linger and expire

by

When the coronavirus pandemic took hold in an unprepared U.S., many states like Ohio scrambled for masks and other protective gear. Supplies were so limited in 2020 that the state bought millions of medical gowns from a marketing and printing company and spent about $20 million to try to get personal protective equipment made in-state. … Read more