Prognosis
Murphy Missed Early Chances to Slow Virus, Doctor Says
- Republicans’ hearing examines Covid-19 in nursing homes
- Pointing to weakness on contact tracing, protective equipment
Phil Murphy
Photographer: Michael Mancuso/Pool/Getty ImagesGovernor Phil Murphy missed early opportunities to restrain the spread of Covid-19 in New Jersey nursing and veterans homes, an infectious-disease physician and others told Republican lawmakers.
On March 27, 2020, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published a report warning of “very rapid spread, despite early adoption of infection prevention and control measures” in such residences. Less than a week later, the Murphy administration -- following a move by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo -- ordered long-term care homes to start accepting infectious residents.