Many Dubois County Nursing Homes Put Visitation Restrictions in Place Over COVID-19 Fears

BY: DAVID SHEPHERD, NEWS DIRECTOR / PHOTO: BUSINESS INSIDER 

JASPER -- Local nursing homes are feeling the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.

Most, if not all facilities in Dubois County are asking family and friends not to visit their facilities, following the advice of the federal government.

In many of those facilities, exceptions can be made for urgent matters such as end-of-live situations.

"The Indiana State Dept. of Health, Division of Long-Term Care, is providing local long-term care facilities with information related to COVID-19," says Jo Ann Spaulding, director of the Dubois County Health Department.  "[It] encourages long-term care facilities to review information, educate the staff and visitors that people that are at higher risk from getting very sick from this illness does include older adults and people who have serious, chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes and lung disease, so, it wouldn't be surprising to see long-term care facilities locally limiting those visitors."    

 Many Dubois County nursing homes are requesting families visit with residents via social media or phone instead of in person.

There have been no cases of coronavirus reported so far in Dubois County, however, health officials are urging residents to be prepared.  Those officials also,however, stress calm, urging you not to panic but have a plan.