On June 17, 2020, Governor Phil Scott announced measures to gradually ease the restrictions to visitation in long-term care facilities, as well as in hospitals and the restarting of Senior Centers in Vermont.
Effective June 19, 2020, each resident in a long-term care facility will be allowed to receive two visitors per day. As announced, long-term care facilities may choose to reopen, as long as they adapt to the recommendations and guidance published by the Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living (DAIL). In Phase 1, visitations in these facilities are limited to an outdoor setting, maintaining social distancing, wearing masks, and screening temperatures of all visitors. No group dining or group activities among the facility residents are allowed at this time. For more detailed guidance, see here.
Hospital visitation will also be allowed with some restrictions, in accordance with the updated policies by the VT Agency of Human Services and the specific policies developed by each hospital. For most patients, one visitor at a time will be allowed into the Inpatient, Acute Care, Urgent Care, and Emergency Room departments. Two individuals may be permitted in a pediatric patient’s room and during end-of-life care situations. For outpatients, no visitors are permitted, except in specific circumstances. See guidance here.
Senior Centers may also reopen now, although adult day care centers may not open yet. Senior Centers may reopen as long as they follow the technical assistance requirements issued by the Vermont Department of Health and DAIL. The guidance also encourages people 65 or older and those with underlying health conditions to connect with their physicians before volunteering in any Senior Center.