Gov. Inslee outlines care facility guidelines, support for workers and businesses affected by COVID-19

(Olympia, Wash.) Gov. Jay Inslee has announced new, mandatory guidelines for nursing homes and care facilities across the state in an effort to stem the rise in COVID-19 virus cases.

These measures include residents may only have one adult visitor per day, and the meeting must take place in the individual's room. All visitors must also sign into a log and be screened for possible symptoms, which may lead to the use of a mask or other protective device. Employees and volunteers must be screen, but not tested, for symptoms at the beginning of each shift. And, any resident testing positive for the Coronavirus must be isolated to their room.

Inslee also announced support for workers and businesses affected by the virus. The Governor noted that, when possible, telecommuting should be an option. Workers will be able to receive unemployment benefits and employers will get relief of benefit charges if an employer needs to curtail or shut down operations temporarily because a worker becomes sick and other workers need to be isolated or quarantined as a result of COVID-19.

Inslee did not, however, make any proclamations regarding cancellation of events or other social distancing measures, but did add that he wouldn't be surprised he he was back tomorrow with such an announcement.