Long-term care facilities taking action against COVID-19

One presumptive positive case of COVID-19 has been reported in Missouri and now long-term care facilities are proactively working to keep it away from their residents.

Facilities are taking advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MDHSS) and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in order to prevent cases in Mid-Missouri.

"The Bluffs of Columbia is aware of the potential impact of the Coronavirus/COVID-19, especially with our frail elderly population," said a spokesperson from The Bluffs of Columbia. "After careful review and consideration of CMS, CDC, and Missouri DHSS guidelines for long-term care, the administration of the home felt that is was necessary to protect the residents by reducing unnecessary visitors."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, older adults are at higher risk of getting very sick from this illness.

President Trump also mentioned stopping all non-essential visits at long-term health care facilities in his speech Wednesday night.

But some relatives to those residing in long-term healthcare facilities are not happy with the new restrictions.

"We are just not very comfortable not being able to check on mom," said Syndi Smith, a relative to someone staying in a long-term healthcare facility. "We need to be here every day for her we are very concerned about here being here alone."