Rhode Island Family Communications on Visitation – 1.10.2022

As you may have heard by now, effective immediately, all visitors/essential caregivers of Rhode Island nursing homes must provide either proof of their COVID-19 vaccine or show evidence of having a negative COVID-19 test (PCR within 72 hours -or- Antigen/rapid within 48 hours).

The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) implemented this visitor vaccine mandate due to the recent surge of COVID-19 cases in our state. As a result of this strict guidance, we ask that all visitors be patient with our support staff as they navigate this new screening practice. We also ask that you continue to be mindful of our infection control measures that we have been updating throughout this pandemic – they are as follows:

Guidance for visitation and enforced safety measures for infection prevention

[updated 1/10/22]

• Facilities must deny entrance to visitors who don’t show proof of vaccination OR

if unvaccinated, visitor must show proof of a negative PCR within 72 hours of the visit or a negative antigen test within 48 hours of the visit

• If you need a list of locations that are offering COVID-19 testing in Rhode Island, you can visit https://covid.ri.gov/testing to schedule your test.
• All visitors must free of symptoms relating to COVID-19, including fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle/body aches, headache, new loss of taste/smell, sore throat, congestion/runny nose, nausea/vomiting, and/or diarrhea.
• If a visitor has had a recent positive viral test for COVID-19, symptoms of COVID-19, or currently meet the criteria for quarantine, THEY CANNOT enter our facilities.
• It is imperative that all visitors use proper hand hygiene (use of alcohol-based hand rub is recommended) upon arrival at our facilities.
• All visitors must wear their mask at all times in the facility, regardless of vaccination status.
• Visitors must maintain physical distancing of at least six feet – in accordance with CDC guidance.
• If a visitor gives permission, the facility may keep a copy of their vaccination card on file.
• Visitors must be denied entrance if they have tested positive within the past 10 days. Can resume visitation after completion of the isolation period as long as symptoms have improved.
• Unvaccinated Visitors must be denied entrance if they have had a direct exposure for 14 days, unless they have been COVID positive within the last 90 days.
• When entering our center, all visitors must review the instructional signage and visitor education on COVID- 19 signs and symptoms, infection control precautions, other applicable facility practices (e.g., use of face covering or mask, specified entries, exits and routes to designated areas, hand hygiene).

Our center reserves the right to deny entry for those who do not comply with the above noted safety measures and protocols. Your compliance is vital to keeping our staff and residents safe – and we thank you for your continued assistance.