New Guidance Issued for Long-Term Care Outdoor Visitations

Beginning June 3, 2020, the Baker-Polito Administration is easing family visitation restrictions at nursing homes, rest homes and assisted living facilities to allow for scheduled outdoor visits. In addition, long-term care facilities should continue to use alternative electronic methods for communication between residents and visitors, such as Skype, FaceTime, etc.
Guidance was issued today for nursing homes, rest homes and assisted living facilities detailing how to safely allow scheduled visits with residents to occur. These measures include:

 A resident who is suspected or confirmed to be infected with COVID-19 cannot be visited. A resident who has recovered from COVID-19 may be visited.
 Visitors must be screened for fever or respiratory symptoms. Any individuals with symptoms of COVID- 19 infection will not be permitted to visit with a resident.
 A long-term care facility staff member trained in patient safety and infection control measures must always remain with the resident during the visit.
 Visits must be limited to no more than two individuals. A visitor must always remain at least 6 feet from the resident and attending staff member(s) during the visit. Staff and residents must wear a surgical face mask and visitors must wear a face covering or mask for the duration of the visit.

Additional guidance will be issued in the coming days for the Holyoke and Chelsea Soldiers’ homes and other 24/7 congregate care facilities.