New nursing home coronavirus rules as Mecklenburg probes 3rd possible outbreak
As Gov. Roy Cooper’s administration rolls out new rules for controlling coronavirus outbreaks in nursing homes, Mecklenburg County health officials say they’re investigating a possible third case of the virus inside a congregate living facility.
Already, county health officials have confirmed there are coronavirus outbreaks at two local nursing homes.
The county has refused to identify which locations have had cases. An outbreak is defined as two or more individuals living in a congregate living facility who have been diagnosed with COVID-19.
In Union County, a man in his 70s who had been “connected to a long-term care facility” died from coronavirus, according to health department officials. The county says it was notified of the man’s death on Thursday.
On Wednesday, Harris said the county has been working with long-term care facilities to restrict visitation for at least a month and a half.
“They have been doing this in very strict way ...,” she said. “They’re communicating with us regularly.”
Cooper announced an executive order Thursday intended to protect those in nursing homes. The order also lays out new rules for retailers, such as grocery stores.
Starting Monday at 5 p.m., no more than 20% of the stated fire capacity of a retailer — including grocery and home improvement stores — will be permitted in a store. That translates to approximately five people per 1,000 square feet, according to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. Stores are also required to mark six foot intervals at places where people gather like checkout lines and regularly disinfect.
The second part of the executive order addresses nursing homes. The order prevents group activities in common spaces and requires face masks for employees. And nursing homes must also screen employees and residents for symptoms of sickness.
This story was originally published April 9, 2020 at 4:46 PM.
