First here is a little about my background.  I work in a long-term nursing facility as a Physical Therapist Assistant/Rehab Director.  I also have a few relatives that work as RN's in nursing facilities and hospitals.  The purpose of me writing this is to give a first hand account of what we are seeing collectively first-hand without the hype and to dispel some of the misinformation that is being circulated.

In area hospitals, supplies  such as face masks, face shields, and other cleaning equipment are being rationed to prevent shortages.  Nurses in one hospital I am familiar with are rationed to two disposable face mask per day, and face shields are washed with bleach and reused.  This is being done in acute treatment areas like ICU.  Visitation is restricted in all hospitals and they are becoming more selective on who they admit based on level of necessity.  CMS has waved 3 night hospital stays for Medicare patients to received skilled nursing benefits as well as the standard 60 day wellness benefits for Medicare patients benefits to renew.

In long-term nursing facilities throughout the state, visitation is no longer allowed unless the resident is actively dying.  Vendors are restricted from entering the building, and all staff must have temperature taken before reporting to work since elderly patients are most at risk to this virus.  Most of us heard what happened in the long-term care facility in Washington.  Nursing facilities throughout the country are implementing precautions based on the CDC and Department of Health guidelines.  Overall, many facilities are working on a facility wide contact isolation measures to ensure safety of staff and residents.

Local stores are short on toilet paper, bottle water, and diapers just to name a few items.  Many shelves are bare.  Restaurants are restricted to take out and delivery only.  Banks are restricted to drive thru only.  This shortage of supplies in stores is unnecessary in my opinion.  

I hope all who read this stay safe, healthy, and are able to enjoy a little extra time with there families during the school closures.