(KNZA)--Local nursing homes are taking precautionary measures due to  coronarvirus.

The Maple Heights Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, in Hiawatha, announced Thursday they have implemented a " no visitors policy" until further notice. Only essential staff and those providing care will be allowed to enter.

Third party vendors--which includes home health, hospice and physicians-- will be allowed on site, but they will be required to go through the same screening process as staff and will only be allowed in the back service hallway.

In a letter to residents and family members, Maple Heights said their focus right now is preventing coronavirus from entering the community and spreading.

The Apostolic Christian Home in Sabetha, in a news release, said they are advising all friends and family of their residents to refrain from visiting if they are feeling ill and have symptoms of infection.  When visiting, the release said you will be screened for respiratory symptoms, fever and asked about travel outside the United States.  The release adds visitation may be denied or discouraged dependent on screening results.

Debbie Painter, RN Director of Nursing, said these precautions are vital to helping them avoid and minimize the possible spread of coronavirus.  She added at this time, they don't have any diagnosed cases of residents or staff being infected with coronavirus.