Coronavirus: Inslee announces reopening plan for long-term care facilities

OLYMPIA, Wash. — On Aug. 6, Gov. Jay Inslee and health officials released protocols for residents, visitors and group activities for the state’s long- term care facilities.

The state listed visitation guidelines for each phase.

In phase 1, compassionate care, window, remote and outdoor (limited to two a day) visits are allowed.

In phase 2, only one indoor visitor, known as an essential support person, would be allowed per resident. Also, all visitors must wear facial coverings and be screened for symptoms before entering. These activities are allowed with the additional option for indoor visits in limited circumstances.

In phase 3, a limited number of visits can take place. Residents and clients can leave these facilities as long as they practice social distancing, wear a mask, and are screened for symptoms when they return.

Phase 4 would allow a facility to return to normal visitation protocols.

Group activities are not recommended in phase 1 facilities, limited activities are allowed in phase 2, visitors may participate in phase 3 and normal group activities will be allowed to resume in phase 4.

Facilities cannot move forward in phases before the county they are in, which means if the facility is in a phase 2 county, it can’t move to phase 3 before the county does.

To move forward in phases, facilities also must go 28 days without a resident or staff member testing positive for COVID-19.

These facilities must also have at least a 14-day supply of PPE on hand.

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Cox Media Group