June 17, 2020 |
Under new guidelines announced yesterday, residents of long-term care facilities in Wyoming will soon be able to accept outdoor visits in limited situations.
The rules are strict, but could allow families who have been separated since March to reunite. Visitations were stopped altogether this winter because of coronavirus concerns.
The new guidance requires visits to occur in a designated outdoor space, limits visitors to two persons at a time and requires screening of visitors for symptoms of respiratory illness.
A staff member trained in patient safety and infection control measures must remain with the resident at all times during the visit. Staff and residents must wear surgical face masks and visitors are required to wear face coverings.
State Public Health Officer Alexia Harrist said yesterday that the strict rules under which visits will be allowed might prove to be a hardship for some facilities.
Each facility will decide if it wants to implement outdoor visits. Residents of long-term care centers are often the most vulnerable serious illness if exposed to the virus.
