Our number one priority is everyone’s health and safety here at Copley, and it is our responsibility to follow all regulations regarding this pandemic. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health continues to work with state, federal, and local partners in this ever-evolving situation. As of last month, the visitation guidelines for long-term care facilities were updated with the following physical distancing and protection requirements.
- A resident who is suspected or confirmed to be infected with COVID-19 cannot be visited.
- All visits will take place at the designated outdoor visitation space.
- A resident who has recovered from COVID-19 may have visitors.
- A resident quarantined after a hospital stay and not suspected or confirmed to be infected with COVID-19 can be visited.
- A resident who is not quarantined and never tested positive for the virus can have visitors.
- Before transporting a resident to the designated outdoor visitation space, the long-term care facility must screen the visitor for fever or respiratory symptoms. Any individuals with symptoms of COVID-19 (fever equal to or greater than 100.0F, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, myalgia, chills, or new onset of loss of taste or smell) will not be permitted to visit with a resident.
- A long-term care facility staff member trained in patient safety and infection control measures must remain with the resident throughout the visit.
- Staff and residents must wear a surgical face mask, and visitors must wear a face covering or mask for the duration of the visit.
- Visits with a resident in a designated outdoor visitation space must be scheduled in advance and are dependent on permissible weather conditions, availability of outdoor space, and sufficient staffing at the facility to meet resident care needs and the health and well-being of the resident.
We understand this can be frustrating for everybody. We continue to do our best to accommodate everyone while maintaining our residents’ and staff’s health and safety. We must continue to enforce all safety measures put in place. The visitation restrictions protect our residents and staff and will be lifted once the DPH feels safe, statewide, to do so. We are so thankful for our residents’ families and friends’ continued support through these challenging times.
If you have any questions regarding these regulations, please feel free to call me anytime 781-341-2300. We are here for you and with you. We’ll get through this together.
-Steven Tyer