We have had continued questions regarding the partial opening of businesses in Washington State, and the ability for family members to visit residents this next weekend.  The visitation restriction for Skilled Nursing Facilities is still in effect from CMS and the Washington State visitation restriction, Proclamation 20-16, has been extended by Governor Inslee to May 31^st.  This means family member visitations cannot resume at this time. We have asked the Governor to issue public service announcements and statements during any upcoming press conferences advising family members against in-person visits to loved ones.

We know this is going to be difficult with Mother’s Day on Sunday and the nice weather forecasted for the weekend.  It is important to  remind family members of the continued risk to residents and staff, asymptomatic transmission is still happening and that visits will need to take place as window visits or by phone, Skype, or Facebook. The fact is, we simply can’t know whether and to what extent individuals may be exposed to the virus and are now carriers. There are also apparent plans for facilities to have parking lot or patio parties and allow residents to visit with family members by wearing a mask and social distancing.  The order for no large gatherings also remains in place. Please continue to exercise extreme caution and take reasonable measures to restrict visitors and protect residents and staff within your communities.

Questions?

Contact:

Laura Hofmann, MSN, RN – Director of Clinical and Nursing Facility Regulatory Services
c: 324-231-4804