Visits to Willow Point and Other Nursing Homes Curtailed by Coronavirus

There will be fewer people in the halls of the Willow Point Rehabilitation and Nursing Center as Broome County has placed new restrictions on visitors.

Given the risk of COVID-19, visitation is limited, meaning individuals will not be allowed to enter the facility except for end of life situations or if it is essential for the resident’s emotional well-being and care.  Privately-held nursing homes in the area have also instituted similar limits on visitations until further notice.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo March 12 announced state-wide limits on visits to extended-care facilities.  The Governor says only medically necessary visits will be allowed at nursing homes starting at 5 p.m. March 13.

The state is also asking nursing homes to set up skyping and other online communication capacity so families can televisit their loved ones.

New York is requiring health screenings for all nursing home workers every day when they enter a facility and will require them to wear surgical masks to guard against any potential spread of illness.