(KMOX) - Recently updated guidance from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid has outlined how nursing homes can open to visitors safely, however under current COVID-19 conditions many local nursing homes and surrounding communities don't meet the criteria to do so.
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services spokeswoman Lisa Cox says with community transmission high in most counties of the state, it's going to be hard for nursing homes to meet the criteria to open their doors to visitors.
"Every facility is going to be different… There is a phase in approach and it's dependent on when the last case was in that facility." Cox said people need to understand that each long term care facility is going to have it's own timeline for public visitation.
The CMS memorandum released September 17th, states that it is required for nursing homes to open up to visitors to address the phycological needs of patients, however if certain community and facility criteria is not met, visits can be restricted.
As of September 29th, the Festus Manor in Festus, Missouri is not open to any visitors. Jefferson County is currently in "red alert" status meaning there is widespread uncontrolled community transmission. According to the new guidance, while in red status nursing homes in the county can't open to visitors except for compassionate care situations.
Cori Manor Nursing & Rehab in Fenton, Missouri, offers visits through a window. Bethesda Southgate in St. Louis offered outdoor visits, yet indoor visits remain limited. According to Bethesda Southgate's website , visitor restrictions are "softened" by the new guidance, however the following criteria must be met per the guidance of the Department of Health and Senior Services:
• 14 days have elapsed since the last facility-acquired COVID-19 positive case (resident or employee).
• Residents are COVID-19 negative or asymptomatic and not suspected to have COVID-19
• Spaces are created within the facility in rooms without regular foot traffic
• Five potential visitors are identified and submitted to the facility, with only two visitors allowed at a time. An appointment is required.
• A distance of at least six feet must be kept at all times between resident and visitors, with hand hygiene used before and after the visit and a cloth face covering worn throughout the visit by both resident and visitors.
Cox said that there is an understanding that physical separation from family and other loved ones has taken a physical and emotional toll on residents. However, according to the CDC, the vast majority of deaths related to Covid-19 happen to people 65 years and older, it's important to keep visitor criteria standards high to ensure safety of long term care residents and staff.
