P.E.I. nursing homes move 'to protect a very vulnerable population'

A nursing home operator on P.E.I. is putting extra precautions in place to protectresidents in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

P.E.I. Seniors Homes operates Whisperwood Villa and the Garden Home in Charlottetown and Lady Slipper Villa in O'Leary.

Company CEO Jason Lee said in addition to following guidelines from public health regarding restrictions on those who have recently travelled internationally, the company is implementing further restrictions.

"We'd like to consider any of the affected provinces as an area we want to be screening people for," said Lee.

"We want people who are in close contact with people that meet that criteria to just stay away from the home."

Signs regarding the new restrictions were posted earlier this week, and starting Friday greeters were in place at entrances to screen people, and make sure they cleaned their hands before entering.

Lee said some visitors have already been turned away.

"Generally people are very understanding. People understand why we're doing it," he said.

"They know we're trying to protect a very vulnerable population."

COVID-19 is particularly dangerous for the elderly, said Lee, so the company wants to take all reasonable precautions to keep it out of the homes.

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