San Mateo County’s health officer has eased COVID-19 restrictions on visitations and group activities at nursing homes and other compassionate care facilities.
In-person group activities and communal dining for residents are now permitted, but not activities “where there is an increased likelihood for contaminated exhaled droplets, such as singing, using wind instruments, or participating in a choir,” according to the County.
Since July 14, indoors visits to residents at such facilities have only been allowed for urgent legal or end-of-life concerns. Now, indoor visits are also allowed for a “resident who was living with family before recently being admitted and is struggling with the change, a resident who is grieving after the death of a friend or family member, a resident who needs cueing and encouragement with eating and drinking previously provided by family or caregiver and who is now experiencing weight loss or dehydration, or a resident who used to talk and interact with others and who is now is experiencing emotional distress, seldom speaking, or crying more frequently,” according to the County.
Also, if outdoor visitation is not feasible due to weather, air quality or the health of a resident or visitor, limited indoor visits will be allowed on a case-by-case basis.
“The order applies to facilities such as those for skilled nursing, residential care for the elderly, residential treatment centers, hospice facilities, group homes, and others providing care in a residential setting,” the County added.
To read the full order, click here.
