Gov. Kemp, Georgia Health Care Association Issue Joint Statement to Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Communities

Governor Brian P. Kemp and the Georgia Health Care Association on Monday issued the a joint statement regarding measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in skilled nursing facilities, assisted living communities, and personal care homes, after the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

They are now urging long-term care facilities in Georgia to restrict all visitors, volunteers, and non-essential personnel except for certain compassionate care situations, such as end-of-life situations, to protect their residents from the potential spread of the virus.

“We also encourage healthcare providers to avoid all group activities and communal dining; continue active screening of residents and health care personnel for respiratory symptoms, including actively checking for a fever; identify staff that work at multiple facilities and actively screen and restrict them appropriately; and enforce sick leave policies for ill health care personnel that are non-punitive, flexible, and consistent with public health policies allowing personnel who are sick to stay home,” the statement said.

Nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Franklin and Hart counties have already instituted strict visitation requirements in light of the COVID-19 outbreak in Georgia.

WLHR News contacted a number of them and here is what we’ve been told so far.

Brookdale/Hartwell – no visitors until further notice

Hartwell Health and Rehab – no visitors

Hart Care Center – no visitors

The Gables in Royston – Unknown

Veranda in Carnesville – only allowing necessary and immediate family visits. Hospice nurses, health nurses and aids allowed, but must wear masks. Once inside they have to scrub up before seeing patients. Doors locked. Sara Strickland, administrator

Brown Health – visits restricted to essential visits only and only for family members.