Cedarbrook Senior Care and Rehabilitation gradually began to accept visitors Sept. 14 at the Allentown campus, per Cedarbrook’s visitation policy modeled after Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and Pennsylvania Department of Health guidance.

The policy allowed a visitation opening at the Fountain Hill campus Sept. 18, pending no new cases of COVID-19.

This protocol marks the beginning of step two of the Cedarbrook visitation plan, which is designed to be a very cautious and gradual process. Be advised rules and guidelines are subject to change at any time for the safety of Cedarbrook residents.

Current regulations from the state and federal governments indicate one new coronavirus case shuts down visitation for up to 28 days after each case.

All potential visits must be scheduled by a social worker during the allotted time frame before each visit.

Visitation hours are 9-11:30 a.m. and 1-4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

Emergency visits can be scheduled at a mutually agreeable time, pending the circumstance. Scheduling will be coordinated based on a resident’s unit and schedule.

Each residential unit will be assigned a day of the week for visits. Visit times will be scheduled on the hour and will be 30 minutes in length. Visits can be split into two 15-minute intervals to accommodate up to four visitors.

At this time, visitation will occur in designated areas outside in the courtyards between the C and D wings at the Allentown campus and the main courtyard at the Fountain Hill campus. In the case of inclement weather, visits will occur indoors in the family room at Allentown and the main dining room at Fountain Hill. Table placement is used to ensure at least 6 feet of distance is between residents and visitors, and all visits will be monitored by Cedarbrook staff to ensure compliance with safety measures.

Initial visitations have proceeded smoothly and joyfully as residents and families reunited for the first time since early March. Masks are mandatory and must be worn at all times during each visit. Residents will be wearing surgical or cloth masks, while visitors will receive specialized masks provided by the facility.

Temperature checks, risk factor screening and a statement indicating one understands these guidelines are required upon signing in. The area is thoroughly sanitized following each visit.