As of today, nearly 12,000 people have died from the coronavirus at skilled nursing facilities across the United States. Tens of thousands more residents, in thousands of homes across the country, have also been infected. These are the confirmed cases, the actual numbers are likely much higher, and these elderly patients are the most susceptible to the virus and the most likely to have comorbidities. Supplies are running low and staffing is impossible, as those caretakers who have been infected or exposed must themselves be quarantined for safety.

This is a national emergency inside of a national emergency. Congress needs to act now.