BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - Outdoor visitation and limited indoor communal activities for residents in long-term care facilities are rapidly being allowed at most North Dakota facilities.
Advocates are still pushing for some changes regarding the state’s reopening plan to allow for more indoor family visitation, according to the Bismarck Tribune.
Visitation for family members has been restricted by state order since April 6. Republican Gov. Doug Burgum announced June 5 a three-phase reopening plan that aims to find a balance between creating more visitation opportunities while keeping residents safe from COVID-19.
The state’s total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases rose to nearly 4,000 as of Thursday, state health officials said.
Of the state’s 218 long-term care facilities, 212 have been approved to move into Phase 1, and 35 facilities have entered Phase 2, Burgum said during his weekly coronavirus briefing.
Outdoor visitation and limited communal activities for residents, like dining together, are allowed under the first phase, provided there are proper coronavirus safeguards in place. Restricted indoor visitation is allowed in the second phase, and the third phase is unrestricted indoor visitation with screening of visitors.
The 35 facilities in Phase 2 “are among the first in the nation where indoor visitation is reopening up,” Burgum said.
The discussion continues on advocates’ request for families to be allowed to do “compassionate care” indoor visits with nursing home residents who are not in end-of-life situations but whose conditions are clinically deteriorating due to coronavirus-related isolation or depression.
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