The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services issued an emergency order Wednesday requiring Michigan residential care centers to enforce limited gatherings to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“As we grapple with both colder weather and rising cases, our task is to increase access to visitation in ways that do not increase the spread of the virus,” MDHHS Director Robert Gordon said. “Visitation is a substantial source of risk. This order provides a plan for visitation that mitigates risk and continues necessary protections in facilities across the state.”
Families of residents will have to schedule their appointments and may be given a limited time frame for visits. There will be a capacity limit of two persons or less that visitors must abide by.
Visitors will be expected to wear masks to protect themselves and others. Failure to do so will result in non-entry to the facility. Screenings and tests must be conducted prior to the visit and visitors are required to report back to the residential center if they come down with any symptoms.
Michigan counties have been categorized by their level of risk in connection with COVID-19. Risk levels are listed on a scale from A to E. The current risk level for counties is calculated on the MI Start Map.
Residential facilities located in counties with a current risk level of A, B, C, or D can accept visitors as long as the facilities have had no new cases within 14 days of the scheduled visit.
Outdoor visitation is permitted under the condition that visitors maintain social distancing, wear face coverings, and follow standard safety protocols.
All visitors must wear protective gear and time spent in close contact is limited to 15 minutes. Visitors with special circumstances, such as those who oversee Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), medical services, or physical activities are allowed to have close contact with residents while working. Michiganders visiting residents who are nearing death may be within close contact as long as their loved one does not have the coronavirus.
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