PENDLETON — A sign inside McKay Creek Estates’ sliding front doors Thursday morning stopped visitors cold.

In red marker, it said “Under executive order by the Governor, we are not allowed visitors at this time.”

The Pendleton assisted living facility placed the sign in the foyer after receiving a mandate from the state to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus that has proven especially deadly for the elderly.

About a mile away, Willowbrook Terrace gave visitors much the same message. A sign warned, “STOP HERE!” ALL VISITORS AND VENDORS. Due to the COVID-19 virus, we are screening all visitors. Please see the nurse before entering.”

Only visitors deemed “essential” will gain entrance into Oregon’s nursing homes, assisted care facilities and residential care facilities — physicians, physical therapists, hospice workers and family members considered essential for the individual’s well-being and care or visiting during end-of-life stages. Even essential people must answer screening questions and have their temperatures taken.

“Our No. 1 priority is to stop the spread of this virus,” said Fariborz Pakseresht, director of the Oregon Department of Human Services.

Pakseresht and Pat Allen, director of the Oregon Health Authority, announced the new restrictions Tuesday evening. The extraordinary step comes as data from around the world shows that the elderly are most vulnerable to the coronavirus that causes the respiratory disease COVID-19.

State health authorities also directed the facility operators to limit community outings and work to arrange “virtual visits” for their residents.

The first cases of coronavirus at an Oregon assisted living facility were announced Wednesday night after two residents in a veterans’ nursing home in Lebanon contracted the virus. State health officials have sent a “strike team” into the nursing home and will test all of its residents and staff.

Local administrators appear to be taking the mandate seriously.

“We have a really vulnerable population here,” said Corey Crisman, administrator at Willowbrook Terrace. “We’re trying to limit as many visitors as possible.”

So far, he said, family members are being understanding.

“They know we have to protect our residents,” Crisman said. “We’ll get through it.”

Malhia Lieuallen, executive director at McKay Creek Estates, said residents, employees and visitors are disappointed, but compliant.

“This executive order trumps everything,” Lieuallen said. “We’re just being cautious.”

Both facilities have ceased taking groups of residents to movies, concerts and other events in the community, everything except medical appointments. Similarly, musical groups and other community visitors won’t be allowed to come in.

“We’re doing a lot of bingo and planning a St. Paddy’s Day party,” Lieuallen said. “We’re trying to keep them busy.”

Crisman said Willowbrook residents will have movies and popcorn on-site, instead of going to a theater.

If residents choose to leave on their own, they can do so.

“This isn’t a jail,” Crisman said. “We advise them to wash their hands when they go out and wash their hands when they come in.”

Tests to determine whether someone is infected are conducted through medical swabs sent to the state’s central health laboratory.

Pakseresht said Oregon officials are taking every step they can to avoid “the tragic situation developing in Washington,” where deaths have mounted among those in a Kirkland, Washington, long-term care facility.

State officials said they urged those caring for elderly relatives or friends to follow similar guidance. They also recommend that the elderly should stay home as much as possible and when in public avoid close contact with others. The elderly should stock up on food, medications and other supplies to minimize their risk of infection from going out.

Allen said Oregonians need to take the situation “incredibly seriously” by abiding the state’s restrictions and guidance.

“We’re asking people to do some really hard stuff,” Allen said.

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The Oregon Capital Bureau contributed to this report.