Dear Patients and Families:

As we look towards the holidays, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and CDC have recommended that patients avoid leaving the center for holiday celebrations. VDH cautions that gatherings present a potential risk of exposure to COVID-19, and the risk for persons living in long-term care centers is not only for their own health but also places the health of other patients at risk if they introduce the virus back into the Center. The CDC recommends that patients who are immunocompromised, have symptoms of COVID-19, are awaiting COVID-19 test results, or have potentially been exposed to the virus are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 and should avoid holiday gatherings.

As recommended, we are looking for ways for patients to safely celebrate Thanksgiving with loved ones without leaving the center. Due to the high community positivity rate, we will continue to offer outdoor visitation in an effort to accommodate a visit for all patients who meet the criteria outlined below.

With the overarching goal of protecting nursing home patients from COVID-19, CMS has provided guidance for the safely conducting in-person visitation. In keeping with this guidance, the following sections serve as reminders for key aspects of the Center’s outdoor visitation plan:

The following conditions must be met for outdoor visitation to occur:

• Patients must not have a current diagnosis of COVID-19;
• Patients must not be on transmission-based precautions either related to their health condition, potential exposure, or because their COVID-19 status is unknown;

Virtual visits are offered for patients who are symptomatic, are on transmission-based precautions, or have tested positive for COVID-19.

All visitation must be scheduled in advance. Scheduling is on a first come, first served basis by contacting Social Services Department at 276-451-2590. The number of visitors per patient at one time and the total number of visitors in the Center at one time must be limited. Each patient is allowed two visitors per visit. Visitors must be age 18 or older.

Visitor Screening:

• Visitors are asked to arrive 15 minutes in advance of their scheduled visit to allow time for screening. Visitors who arrive late may have their visit shortened to prevent delaying other scheduled visits.
• Visitors should arrive at the front door for screening to include temperature check and screening questions.

Core Principles of COVID-19 Infection Prevention:

Visitors must adhere to the following core principles as outlined by CMS:

• Screening for signs and symptoms of COVID-19. Any visitor who is experiencing signs or symptoms will not be allowed to participate in the outdoor visit.
• Hand hygiene
• Face mask must be worn at all times
• Social distancing of a minimum of 6 feet must be maintained at all times
• Receive education on COVID-19 signs and symptoms, infection control precautions, and other applicable Center practices during each visit

Visitors who fail to adhere to these core principles will not be permitted to visit and will be asked to leave.

The safety of all patients is the responsibility of the Center. Staff members are required to monitor visitation to ensure the core principles listed above are observed at all times while offering as much privacy to visitors as is practicable. By following these precautions, we are confident that we can safely facilitate visitation at the Center.

We recognize that the holidays won’t look the same for anyone this year; however, it is our goal to assist you in celebrating in a meaningful way while ensuring the safety of your loved one.  Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Stacy Taylor, LNHA

Administrator