Long-term care facilities (LTCF) may allow outdoor visitation for residents under certain conditions. Visits must be limited to two visitors at a time per resident. The maximum number of residents and visitors permitted in the outdoor space at one time is predicated on the size of the outdoor space. The LTCF must ensure a minimum distancing of 6 feet is achievable in the outdoor space when determining the maximum number of residents and visitors who can simultaneously occupy the outdoor space. The LTCF must clearly communicate and enforce social distancing of 6 feet between the resident and visitors. The facility must establish the maximum number of visitors allowed in a single day.
Visitors must schedule an appointment with the facility to visit a resident. The LTCF must prescreen visitors via phone with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) symptom checklist not more than 24 hours in advance. The facility also must screen visitors on arrival with the CDC symptom checklist and a temperature check. Residents with active COVID-19 infection, either laboratory confirmed or symptomatic, are not allowed to participate in outdoor visits. Residents receiving visitors also should be screened with the CDC symptom checklist prior to a visitor’s arrival. Visitors displaying symptoms should not visit the facility.
Visits must be limited to outdoor areas. However, the visit may take place under a canopy or tent without walls. Outdoor spaces must have separate ingress and egress that does not require the visitor to enter the LTCF building. Visitors must not enter the facility during their visit. For the duration of each visit, the resident and visitor must wear a face covering. The facility may set the time duration for each visit.
The facility should have supervision by staff during each visit to ensure face coverings are worn properly and social distancing requirements are followed. The facility may determine whether supervision needs to be continuous or intermittent.
Last Updated: 7/21/2020
