Ozaukee and Washington county health officials are modifying two existing public health orders to better protect residents of long-term care facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The first modified order requires all long-term care facilities, including nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and memory care centers to limit all in-person non-essential visitors or “lock-down” from the general public. It is NOT required for residents to remain in their rooms.
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The second order modification requires staffing agencies who provide services at long-term care facilities in Washington and Ozaukee Counties to promptly report any COVID-19 exposure to the care facility.
“Both orders issued today utilize a focused approach to mitigate the risk of infection within our long-term care facilities,” said Kirsten Johnson, Public Health Officer. “The Supreme Court was clear: broad general orders are not legal. Instead, our approach is to protect our vulnerable populations through precise direction while offering guidelines for businesses to re-open safely,” she said.
Activity spaces, dining rooms and common areas are all to remain open, according to the order. Residents that leave their rooms must wear a face mask. Guidelines within this order will remain in effect until further notice.