NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Tennessee regulators, citing a decline in COVID-19 cases, will relax restrictions on nursing homes and other long-term care facilities that had kept thousands of residents in virtual seclusion for much of the pandemic.
The new Tennessee Department of Health protocols, which take effect Oct. 1, will be based on the transmission rate of the coronavirus within each facility, rather than the community as a whole.
“The health and safety of vulnerable Tennesseans, especially our long-term care residents, remains our top priority, and our comprehensive and persistent efforts to protect this population from COVID-19 have saved lives,” Tennessee Health Commissioner Lisa Piercey said in a written statement.
“It’s time to reunite residents and their families in a safe and disciplined manner so we can better balance the physical and emotional needs of older Tennesseans.”
Facilities that have had no new COVID-19 cases among residents and staff for 14 days may permit outdoor visitation and limited indoor visitation in common areas able to accommodate social distancing.
Those visits will be limited to no more than 45 minutes with up to two adult visitors. Visitors must be screened before entry into the visitation area. Residents and visitors will be required to wear face coverings and stay at least six feet apart.
Residents' rooms may only be used for visitation when the resident is unable to leave the room and the visitor has a negative COVID-19 test.
After 28 days, long-term care facilities will be allowed to implement an Essential Caregiver program where select visitors may assist with bathing, feeding, clothing and other personal needs.
In addition, the state's new protocols will relax restrictions on communal dining and other activities within each facility after 14 days with no new COVID-19 cases.
Barbers and beauticians will be allowed to return to work at 50% capacity, with face masks and other safety protocols.
Two residents may share a table in the dining areas where tables are 6 feet apart and capacity is limited to 50% (unless that would be less than 10 people). Group activities, as well as therapeutic and rehabilitation services, may resume at 50% capacity.
State officials say they are prepared to roll back those new protocols if there is a dramatic rise in the spread of COVID-19
