Restrictions to remain in elderly facilities

The state Departments of Health and Human Services said Friday that coronavirus restrictions at long-term and congregate care facilities will remain in place for at least 28 days after the facility’s county enters the green phase of reopening.

“We continue to take a careful, measured approach to ensuring that Pennsylvanians can resume work and normal routines safely — especially in our nursing home facilities across Pennsylvania,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said.

“We need to continue this mitigation effort to make sure that our most vulnerable individuals remain safe,” she said. “We encourage alternative means of communication for residents to stay in touch with their family,

friends, community members and advocates while we take necessary health

and safety precautions.”

The department issued guidance March 18 for nursing home facilities that requires visitor limitations, personnel restrictions and other measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

“We must remain vigilant and be deliberate about our actions even as we begin to reopen,” said DHS Secretary Teresa Miller. “Green does not mean all clear for anyone, and COVID-19 is still a threat, especially for those

who are medically fragile and vulnerable. This virus is not gone, and mitigation efforts are still necessary to keep people safe.

“We understand that for residents of long-term care facilities and their families,

these restrictions have been an isolating burden during a difficult time, but our hope is that this careful approach will help these facilities avoid an outbreak and keep residents, staff and their families safe.”

Following the guidance from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, officials said, the restrictions will be among the last eased to ensure resident health and safety during the pandemic.