New York orders expanded testing to determine COVID-19, flu cases
COVID-19 News Update: THIS JUST IN: COVID-19 Breaking News REAL TIME STATS: COVID-19 Updated Statistics The New York State Health Department announced an emergency rule Monday that requires increased testing to distinguish whether individuals are infected or die from the coronavirus or influenza as the flu season approaches. The new edict, which goes into effect immediately, requires coroners and funeral directors as well as hospital and nursing homes to test for both illnesses. Nursing homes are currently required to test all staffers for COVID-19 weekly, a rule operators want relaxed. “While the human toll this virus has taken on New Yorkers is immeasurable, these regulations will ensure we have the most accurate death data possible as we continue to manage COVID-19 while preparing for flu season,” Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said in a statement released Monday night. “Good quality health data helps inform good quality public health decisions, and this inform...