Faced with 20,000 coronavirus deaths, the nation’s nursing homes are pushing to get states to grant them emergency protection from lawsuits alleging inadequate care.

At least 15 states have enacted measures providing nursing homes some protection from lawsuits arising from the crisis. Now the industry is forging ahead with a campaign to get other states on board. Their argument is that nursing homes should not be liable for events beyond their control, such as shortages of protective equipment and testing.

Watchdogs and patient advocates argue that lawsuits are the only safety net to keep facilities accountable.

Here in Virginia, seven deaths were confirmed over the weekend at South Roanoke Nursing Home, where 33 residents and 28 employees tested positive for the virus.

There has been one coronavirus-related death at an assisted living center in Danville.