Heritage Ministries announced visitors are being limited at all of its locations throughout Chautauqua County amid concerns over the coronavirus.

David Smeltzer, Heritage president and CEO, stressed that while the county has no confirmed cases of COVID-19, Heritage — which serves over 1,200 seniors in their independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing communities — was taking precautions.

“At Heritage, our residents and those we serve are our highest concern,” Smeltzer said. “The health and safety of both our residents and staff is of the utmost importance, and we are taking action to reduce the risk of exposure for all. The steps we are implementing are directly tied to the recommendations of the CDC and New York State Department of Health, and we will adjust our steps if those recommendations change. We are not holding events that bring outside groups of people, and are minimizing large group and outside trip activities to lessen the chance of exposure. Our staff has been well trained in preparation to support our residents.”

Presently, visitors are being limited at all Heritage communities, and any individuals, including vendors and employees are being screened daily before entering a Heritage building. Those who exhibit any symptoms, have recently traveled or have been near anyone ill with symptoms are not currently being granted entrance.

Heritage staff has prepared extensively for any potential cases in the area.

“Heritage has taken a proactive approach to prevent the spread and transmission of COVID-19 within its communities,” said Lisa Haglund, Heritage vice president of sales, marketing, and development. “Heritage has formed a COVID-19 task force, including experts in the fields of nursing homes, and senior housing, and includes a CDC certified infection preventionist. I have the utmost confidence that this team of experts have prepared Heritage to respond in a manner that keep our residents, staff, and families safe.”