OLYMPIA — With at least 10 long-term care facilities reporting COVID-19 cases, Gov. Jay Inslee announced on Tuesday new rules for nursing homes and assisted living facilities, of which there are many in our area.

The rules come after numerous residents of Kirkland’s Life Care Center became infected with coronavirus. The majority of fatal cases in the state have been linked to that facility.

Some of the rules that go into effect today are:

• Visitors must be adults and the visit must take place in the resident’s room.
• All visitors must follow screening and reasonable precautionary measures, which include, wearing personal protective equipment, social distancing, or visiting in designated locations.
• Employees or volunteers must be screened for symptoms at the start of each shift.
• People who live in nursing homes or assisted living facilities and who test positive must be isolated away from other people.

These rules remain in effect until at least April 9, 2020.

See the full rules by clicking here.