TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) – Florida officials have put in place new restrictions when it comes to visiting nursing homes and other facilities that care for and house elderly or at-risk residents amid concerns over the coronavirus.
The governor announced the new restrictions in a news conference Wednesday evening. Under his direction, certain individuals will be prohibited from visiting nursing homes, assisted living facilities, adult family care homes, long-term care facilities and adult group homes.
The restrictions are in place for the following individuals:
- Anyone who is infected with COVID-19 who has not had two consecutive negative test results separated by at least 24 hours
- Any person showing signs or symptoms of a respiratory infection
- Anyone who has or may have been in close contact with a person infected with COVID-19 who has not tested negative is prohibited from visiting for 14 days from their interaction with the infected individual
- Any person who has traveled internationally is prohibited from visiting for 14 days after returning home to the U.S.
- Anyone who traveled on a cruise ship is prohibited for 14 days after returning home
- Any person who has been in a community with confirmed community spread is prohibited for 14 days after leaving the impacted community
- Anyone who physically resides in a community with a confirmed community spread
“These are important efforts to mitigate the risk to our most vulnerable population to COVID-19 which is our elderly population and particularly those with serious underlying medical conditions,” Gov. DeSantis said.
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