JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – As precautions continue for many different businesses and services, one of the first to make changes during the COVID-19 breakout was nursing homes.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) identified those who are aged 65 years or older, those in nursing homes or long-term care facilities, or those with high-risk conditions to be at higher risk than others.

Doug Panchot, Executive Director for Eventide Senior Living in Jamestown, stated during a recent briefing that there has been no cases of COVID-19 in their nursing homes.

Panchot included that they meet with their residents daily to complete a health assessment and that they remain active through one-on-one interaction.

Panchot says they’ve also ensured that family will be able to still visit virtually.

When it comes to staff, Panchot reports that they screen each employee as they enter the building on a daily basis. He says these precautions have already been in place due to the ongoing influenza season.

Visitor restrictions remain in place, but those essential for end-of-life circumstances are allowed. Supplies continue to be monitored and brought in through different resources.

In other facilities, different precautions have forced others to step up.

Annie Hancock, Development Director at Ave Maria Village, says with the outbreak, their volunteers have been unable to come to the facility. She says their staff has stepped up greatly during this time.

“[They’re] filling the voids left by our volunteers not being able to be there, but they are so missed,” Hancock stated. “It has never been more evident all the advantages our volunteers contribute to Ave Maria Village.”