DPH Orders Visitor Restrictions at Nursing Homes, Rest Homes

The Connecticut Department of Public Health is directing all nursing homes and rest homes to restrict visitors to reduce the risk of coronavirus.

In an announcement Monday, DPH directed all chronic and convalescent nursing home and rest homes with nursing supervision to restrict visitors unless there are special circumstances, such as end-of-life care or hospice care. In those cases, the facility may allow visitors as long as appropriate Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-recommended protective equipment is used and when the resident meets the criteria based on exposure to COVID-19.

Those who are over 70 or those with compromised immune systems are considered at higher risk for serious cases of the virus.

There are two presumptive cases of coronavirus in Connecticut. At a press conference Monday, Gov. Ned Lamont said the state is doing everything it can to combat the virus, announcing new guidance for state employees to help prevent and delay the spread of the virus.

Gov. Lamont Says State is Doing Everything it Can to Combat Coronavirus

Coronavirus Symptoms

The key symptoms of the coronavirus, according to the CDC are:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

Symptoms can appear in infected persons two to 14 days after exposure.

Coronavirus Prevention Steps

Steps for prevention from the CDC include:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
  • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
  • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to  others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

Steps to Self-Monitor for Coronavirus

Steps to self-monitor from the CDC include:

1. Take your temperature with a thermometer two times a day and monitor for fever. Also watch for cough or trouble breathing.
2. Stay home and avoid contact with others. Do not go to work or school for this 14-day period. Discuss your work situation with your employer before returning to work.
3. Do not take public transportation, taxis, or ride-shares during the time you are practicing social distancing.
4. Avoid crowded places (such as shopping centers and movie theaters) and limit your activities in public.
5. Keep your distance from others (about 6 feet or 2 meters).

If you do get sick with a fever, cough or have trouble breathing, call ahead before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room and communicate with your doctor about your recent travel.

The CDC has a special website set up with details about the coronavirus, including how it spreads and treatment.

Anyone with questions relating to coronavirus can call 2-1-1 or text "CTVOID" to 898211. The 2-1-1 hotline is available 24 hours a day.

You can also visit the state's coronavirus information website here. Residents are encouraged to check the website for answers to questions before calling the hotline.