VISITATION POLICY
Effective 11/22/2021
POLICY: ACF visitation during the COVID-19 pandemic
PROCEDURE:
Symphony Manor will adhere to all applicable Department of Health guidance and infection control precautions when allowing visitation during a pandemic. Residents receiving visitors or those that leave the facility for home visits, church, etc. will be expected to adhere to the following:
- Designated staff will screen (see attached screening tool) all who enter the facility for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 (e.g., temperature checks, questions about exposure and potential exposure and observations of signs or symptoms) and will deny entry to those with signs or symptoms or those who have had close contact with someone with COVID-19 infection in the prior 14 days (regardless of the visitor’s vaccination status). Out-of-town visitors traveling from other U.S. states or territories are no longer required to test or quarantine upon arrival in New York State, however, will be encouraged to test before entering the facility for a visit. International travelers will be required to follow guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and must quarantine upon arrival in New York State and will not be allowed to visit until after the 14 days of quarantine.
- Residents/Family/Friends and staff will be provided with the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer upon entry. Facility staff will perform hand hygiene throughout the day and when in contact with high touch areas or residents that are quarantined.
- The use of face coverings or masks (covering mouth and nose) will be required by residents/family/friends and staff while in the facility.
- Social distancing of at least six feet between persons will be mandated while visitation occurs.
- The facility will post instructional signage throughout the facility showing proper visitor education on COVID-19 signs and symptoms, infection control precautions and other applicable facility practices (e.g., use of face covering or mask, specified entries, exits and routes to designated areas, hand hygiene).
- Designated staff will perform cleaning and disinfecting of high frequency touched surfaces and designated visitation areas in the facility often, and after each visit.
- Staff and visitors will be required to use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
- The facility will effectively cohort residents (e.g., use separate areas dedicated to COVID-19 care) for any resident that displays signs or symptoms or tests positive for COVID-19.
- Residents that are in isolation, observation, and residents with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 status, irrespective of vaccination status, will not be allowed to have visitors outside of compassionate care or end-of-life situations.
These core principles must be adhered to at all times.
Visitors who are unable to adhere to the core principles of COVID-19 infection prevention will not be permitted to visit and will be asked to leave. The facility will document the occurrence in indicate where the information will be documented.
