The number of COVID-19 cases in nursing homes across the nation are exploding, and both Monterey and Santa Cruz counties have been no exception. Despite federal efforts to shield residents through aggressive testing and visitor restrictions, these don’t appear to be working. Federal data shows that there were 10,279 COVID-19 cases during the week of November, the last week the data has been reported. The number surpassed the previous record of 9,903 cases in late July, according to the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living. “We have been begging people the last eight months to wear a mask, socially distance and be careful,†said Mark Parkinson, president and CEO of AHCA/NCAL. “Unfortunately, the public has not listened and or complied. Please, be safe!