Inslee allows visitation in long-term care facilities

WASHINGTON — About 10% of Washington’s COVID-19 cases and 56% of deaths are associated with long-term care facilities, according to the Department of Health. That’s why visits from even close family members have been tightly restricted since the spring.

Starting soon, Gov. Jay Inslee is changing that.

“This is a day of opening … to be together with our families,” he said at a news conference.

However, a facility must go 28 days without a COVID-19 infection from a staffer or resident and must have a 14-day supply of personal protective gear.

The rules are being relaxed in phases, depending on the general level of infection in each county.

Phase 1 is similar to today's rules with visits through windows or two outdoor visits a day.

Phase 2 allows one indoor visitor — if outdoor or remote visits are not possible.

Phase 3 allows more visits, but outdoor visits are still preferred.

Phase 4 allows normal visitation but COVID-19 testing and screening will continue.

Secretary of Health and Social Services Cheryl Strange said, “Regardless of what phase it is in, facilities must continue to practice social distancing, universal masking and continued screening of residents and staff until this public health crisis is over.”

Inslee said the ability to allow visits will depend on the level of infection in the community at large.

“We need to be conscious of the devastating impacts” that actions outside the facilities can have, he said.

The changes won’t happen right away. Facilities can begin applying for permits on Wednesday. Strange said the decisions should come quickly.

Cox Media Group