Deerfield’s leadership team is progressively relaxing COVID-19-related restrictive policies by following the same principles that guided their implementation: compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and/or guidance; reliance on science and data, although constantly evolving; and a cautious, deliberate, stepwise approach. We are endlessly appreciative of your patience and understanding as we try our best to appropriately navigate this stage of the pandemic.
Reduced Restrictions for Guests Visiting Non-Healthcare Areas of Campus
Effective July 1, guests of Independent Living residents, and other visitors to non-healthcare areas of Deerfield’s campus, will be welcomed with reduced restrictions! Guests of residents will be permitted in the aquatic center and, most happily, in the Riverwalk Cafe and the Bishop’s Bistro. For the time being, there will be a table top maximum of 4 persons in the Bistro.
Masking guidelines for guests:
• For vaccinated individuals, masks are optional in all non-healthcare settings.
• For unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated individuals, properly fitting face coverings are required in public, indoor settings for all persons over the age of 2. However, unvaccinated guests of residents are welcome in the aquatic center and dining venues and may remove their masks temporarily for swimming and to consume food or beverage.
Any person who is symptomatic, vaccinated or not, should wear a mask when in public and should refrain from visiting campus for 10 days or until a negative COVID-19 test result is obtained.
Masks Remain Mandatory in Healthcare Settings
Masks are strictly required for all visitors to Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing (including the Butterfly Garden, an outdoor space in the Health Center) and for all persons who enter the Deerfield Clinic. CDC, NCDHHS, and CMS guidance continues to require that all personnel and visitors entering long term care facilities and other healthcare settings wear a well-fitting mask covering the nose and mouth. Persons who arrive at the Health Center or Clinic without a mask will be provided with one, and those who refuse to don a mask will be asked to leave.