Reporter Hannah Shirley writes about residents of North Dakota's long-term care facilities being allowed in-person visits with family and loved ones, despite the ongoing pandemic.
North Dakota revised its definition of compassionate care on Tuesday, June 30, to include residents who are exhibiting "sharp psychosocial or medical decline" that is "above and beyond normal parameters" whose health could benefit from additional social interaction.
"What we're really trying to do collectively is thread the needle between friends and family being able to spend time with their loved ones, yet at the same time, maintain a level of safety for all residents," North Dakota Department of Human Services Director Chris Jones said.
Journalist Pamela Knudson reports that, though the all-day, family-friendly Fourth of July activities that usually take place at Town Square in Grand Forks are canceled, the traditional Sertoma-sponsored fireworks display is going on as scheduled near the Scheels Sports Complex, 4301 S. 20th St.
Shirley also will cover a town hall, sponsored by the North Dakota Human Rights Coalition, to address recent comments made by the North Dakota Long Term Care Association president about new American employees spreading coronavirus in nursing homes. The NDLTCA president is listed as a panelist at the town hall.
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Look for these stories and more in print and online on Wednesday and Thursday.
