NORFOLK, Va. — Fear of coronavirus spreading is keeping some folks from visiting their loved ones in nursing homes. They'll have to rely on phone and Facetime conversations until visitors are cleared to go back into the buildings.
Other facilities just tightened up the rules.
The signs are clearly posted when you enter Lake Taylor Transitional Hospital in Norfolk: there are new rules for visitors.
Everyone must be screened and answer questions including, "Have you traveled internationally in the past 14 days anywhere that has active COVID-19?" No children under 12 are allowed, and only two visitors per patient at a time.
Robert Welch now calls Lake Taylor home after spending time at Lake Taylor Transitional for rehab on his knees. he said he loves to have visitors.
"I've had as many as five at one time. Normally my son brings my granddaughter," Welch said. But he also understands the current restrictions.
"They're checking them and they're being restrictive. It's not an open door."
Thomas Orsini, President & CEO of Lake Taylor Transitional Hospital says the facility, which offers several levels of care, has been preparing since last month. They are in constant contact with the CDC and other health organizations.
“A lot of people here are compromised in their health situation,” Thomas said. “So we need to do what we have to do to prevent, protect them from the spread of this infection."
That includes enhanced cleaning.
"A lot of things we're doing, we're simply intensifying what we normally do; wash your hands, wear gloves, wear protective equipment," said Thomas.
The main goal is to keep everyone healthy!
"That's what we are trying to do now. Limit exposure to the potential virus that's out there by people who may be carriers, but show no symptoms of it."
Lake Taylor has also suspended outside activities and its popular pet therapy program.
If they do get coronavirus cases, Lake Taylor Transitional Hospital says they have a plan which includes isolation rooms, in coordination with state and local health agencies.
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