Long-Term Care, Assisted Living Communities in R.I. Allowed to Welcome Visitors Again July 8

The Rhode Island Department Of Health (RIDOH) announced that long-term care and assisted living communities can resume visits on July 8, as long as they comply with strict infection control measures to keep residents, staff, and family members safe, reports What's Up Newp . RIDOH in June published guidance to communities on developing safe visitation plans, and about two weeks ago permitted them to restart communal dining and communal activities. Communities that do not have visitation plans ready and approved by Wednesday must implement a standard Visitation Plan for Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Residences developed by RIDOH. The plan stipulates that visits be limited to only those essential to the resident's physical and emotional well-being and care, and scheduled in advance. Visits also will only be allowed for 30-minute increments, while communities must actively screen everyone for fever and symptoms of COVID-19 before admission. Moreover, communities need to keep a daily log with names and contact information for all visitors, and outdoor visits are preferred, with indoor visits limited to the resident's room or other area specifically designated for visits. No matter where visits take place, visitors must maintain a six-foot distance from staff and residents and wear a cloth face covering. Finally, all visitors must perform hand hygiene upon entry or to the outside visitation area, or before entering the resident's room.