Local, regional hospitals impacted by Coronavirus

 

Hospitals and nursing home facilities across the region are being affected by the outbreak of Coronavirus.

Effective Friday, a new visitor policy at Sanford facilities across the region will restrict all visitors to immediate family members only, one visitor per patient. Family members will be screened for signs of respiratory illness including fever and cough and will be asked about recent travel. Access will be limited to a few specific entry points in each facility.

Bethany Retirement Living’s campuses on University and 42nd are suspending all visits. Shawn Stuhaug, President and CEO of Bethany Retirement Living, said in a statement, “We are asking non-essential visitors, including family members, contractors, and volunteers to suspend visits to Bethany on University and Bethany on 42nd for the next few weeks or until you receive an updated message from me.”

He goes on to say that visitors who have a fever or symptoms of respiratory infections, been in contact with people with those symptoms or who have traveled to restricted countries are not allowed to visit Bethany Retirement Living without calling the Director of Nursing to discuss.

Edgewood’s facilities will now restrict daily visiting hours to the hours of 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., along with designating a main entrance at each community that must be utilized by all visitors, requiring that all visitors log in and out during a visit and requiring all residents leaving the building also log in and out.

Eventide Senior Living, with facilities in North Dakota and Minnesota, is restricting visitors except for special circumstances, such as end-of-life, when a visitor is essential for a resident’s emotional well-being and care, and those visits should be limited to minimize exposure beyond the immediate family member.

Farmstead Living, of Moorhead, is limiting visiting hours to 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with visitors entering through the front door only, where they will fill out a questionnaire.

Good Samaritan Society, with locations across North Dakota, asks that visitors be limited to only those who need entry. In addition, approved visitors will be required to wash or sanitize their hands at entry.

River Pointe Senior Living, in Moorhead, is suspending all visits to its facility unless absolutely necessary. Signs are posted near the entrance, staff may request a screening, all community life activities will be suspended and individuals are asked to avoid shaking hands or giving hugs.