LOCAL NEWS | The state new visitation rules for nursing homes and long-term care facilities went into effect on Thursday but due to current active cases, Lynchburg Nursing Center will not yet enjoy relaxed visitation rules.

As of October 1, facilities that have gone at least 14 days with no new COVID-19 cases among residents and staff can immediately offer outdoor or limited indoor visitation. Visitors will be required to wear a mask and exercise social distancing. In some cases, visitors may have their temperatures checked.

According to the latest Long-Term Facility Data updated by the Tennessee Department of Health every Friday, Lynchburg Nursing Center has three active resident cases and five staff cases in the last 28 days. According to the state website, LNC’s last positive case was on September 23. That’s just nine days which means that visitation restrictions will not yet be lifted locally.

“We know our residents and their families are eager to see each other face to face again,” said Life Care Center Vice President Jennifer Solomon. “We will also follow the guidance regarding essential caregiver visits indoors for facilities that have had no new COVID-19 cases for 28 days.”

According to the state’s new long-term care facility initiatives, if a facility remains new case free for 28 days, they can offer essential caregiver visits. Essential caregivers are those who visit frequently and often assist with activities such as feeding, bathing, and dressing.

Earlier in the month, the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) sent out a framework for these changes, which included new options for visitation and relaxing restrictions for resident interactions.

In residence activities could also resume including communal dining, therapeutics, social activities, and visits buy barbers and beauticians.

If a resident test positive for a new COVID case, all expanded visitation allowance will be suspended until the facility is once again infection-free for at least 14 days.

“The health and safety of vulnerable Tennesseans, especially our long-term care residents, remains our top priority, and our comprehensive and persistent efforts to protect this population from COVID-19 have saved lives,” said Tennessee Health Commissioner Lisa Piercey, MD, MBA, FAAP. “It’s time to reunite residents and their families in a safe and disciplined manner so we can better balance the physical and emotional needs of older Tennesseans.”

For more information, check out the state’s long-term facility guidance page by clicking here. You can also reach the Lynchburg Nursing Center at 931-759-6000. •

{The Lynchburg Times is the only independently owned and operated newspaper in Lynchburg, Tennessee. We cover Metro Moore County government, Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Nearest Green Distillery, Tims Ford State Park, Motlow State Community College, Moore County High School, Moore County Middle School, Lynchburg Elementary, Raider Sports, plus regional and state news.}