New Visitation Policies In RI Nursing Homes As COVID-19 Surges

PROVIDENCE, RI — As the coronavirus pandemic surges in Rhode Island, state leaders announced new nursing home policies, in an effort to protect the most vulnerable residents.

"In addition to rapidly increasing our testing and vaccination capacity, our Administration is taking another crucial step to protect our most vulnerable residents while we address the recent surge in COVID-19 cases," Gov. Dan McKee said. "Our team has worked with nursing home and assisted living facilities to develop a policy that will help alleviate pressure on their operations and keep residents, staff and visitors safe."

Starting Monday, all visitors to nursing homes and assisted living facilities will be required to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. In addition, all visitors will be required to wear masks while inside facilities, no exceptions. Previously , masks were not required for fully vaccinated individuals.

"With COVID-19 case rates elevated in Rhode Island and across the country, we need to take steps to safeguard the members of our community who are more vulnerable," said Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, the director of the Department of Health. "If you have a loved one in a nursing home or assisted living facility, the best way to visit safely with that person is to get vaccinated. However, to ensure that residents can still see their loved ones, testing is also an option."

Visitors who choose not to confirm their vaccination status will be required to show proof of a negative rapid test from the past 48 hours or a PCR test within the past 72 hours. Both electronic or paper proof will be accepted.

Facilities will be able to keep a log of visitors who showed their proof of vaccination, so they do not need to do so at every visit.

Read more on the Department of Health's website.

This article originally appeared on the Cranston Patch