The Tennessee Department of Health released new guidelines for long term care facilities to resume activities and increase visitation while maintaining COVID-19 precautions.

After 14 days of no positive cases of COVID-19 and starting October 1, 2020 workers at skilled nursing facilities, assisted living care facilities, and residential homes for the aged should resume activities and communal dining.

After the 14-day threshold, more than 700 facilities will be allowed to offer outdoor or limited indoor visitation with residents.

If it is indoor, it would be limited to a designated common space. There is also an exception for in-room visits if the resident can’t leave their room.

Tennessee Department of Health stated after the 14-day threshold, long term care facilities can resume the following activities:

• Barbers and beauticians may work in the facilities
• Volunteer staff may work in the facility
• Therapeutic and Rehabilitation Services
• Small group social activities
• Communal dining
• Medically necessary trips

The long term care facilities should limit communal gatherings to no more than 10 people or 50 percent of capacity. Staff, visitors, and residents are required to wear masks, stay at least six feet apart, and practice social distancing guidelines.

Until the 14-day threshold is met, long term care facilities should continue to not conduct activities in the common area and meal service will be limited to in-room dining.

The Tennessee Department of Health said non-medically necessary trips outside the building should be avoided and Telemedicine should be utilized whenever possible.

The workers at the long term care facilities should take time to clean the areas for communal activity and make sure they are properly staffed.

After 28 days with no new COVID-19 cases, the facilities will be allowed to offer an essential caregiver program.