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Here's how you'll be able to visit loved ones in SC nursing homes under new guidelines
State - 9/1/2020
Sep. 1--COLUMBIA, S.C. -- Some nursing homes soon will be able to allow visitors to their facilities again.
But visitations will be limited to the outdoors and to no more than two visitors at a time, and visits will be allowed only if several other conditions have been met.
S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster said Tuesday, in a press conference announcing the new policy, that "the time has come" to reunite loved ones with their family members.
"I worry about them, like you do every day," he said. "It's been frustrating for all those who are worried about a parent, grandparent or loved one's well-being," he said, noting the many conversations he's had with over the phone or face-to-face about the pain the separation has caused.
In the spring, McMaster ordered visitation stop at nursing homes, except in end-of-life situations, in order to prevent spread of the novel coronavirus in congregate facilities with a vulnerable population of people with weakened immune systems who are more likely to have poor outcomes from COVID-19.
Since April 3, 4,887 nursing home residents and 2,506 staff members have tested positive for COVID-19. As of Aug. 27, 1,011 nursing home residents and 18 staff members have died from the virus.
As of Monday, more than 117,000 South Carolinians and nearly 2,600 residents in the state died from COVID-19.
The expansive guidelines include making sure the facility has adequate personal protective equipment, screening residents and staff for any COVID symptoms, having testing protocols in place and ensuring there are no positive COVID-19 tests among resident and staff for at least two weeks.
If a resident or staff member tests positive, visitations should be suspended so testing can be completed in the facility.
If there are three or more positive cases, visitations must be suspended for two weeks.
Check back for details on this developing story.
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