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Nursing homes preparing for worsening coronavirus situation

Pxfuel

Michigan nursing homes have been told to screen visitors for  illness and possible exposure to COVID-19.

Greg Tracy is the Administrator of Rest Haven Homes in Grand Rapids.

He says visits from people showing symptoms of illness are being restricted, including people who may have come into contact with someone with COVID-19 or who have traveled to areas with outbreaks.

Tracy says a complete ban on nursing home visits would only happen if the coronavirus outbreak becomes severe.

"For now, we're probably going to limit how often we're holding hands now with the residents. Or when we're coming into contact with them, you immediately go and wash your hands before and after, just little things that you would do if you knew you had an outbreak of influenza," says Tracy.

He says most of the residents are taking the coronavirus situation passively.

State regulators are also increasing oversight of nursing homes that were recently cited for infection control problems.

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Tracy Samilton covers energy and transportation, including the auto industry and the business response to climate change for Michigan Public. She began her career at Michigan Public as an intern, where she was promptly “bitten by the radio bug,” and never recovered.
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