Visitors can return to nursing homes, the state health department said Thursday, but with strict rules in place.
Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said visits will be allowed at nursing homes and long-term care facilities that have been without COVID-19 for at least 28 days, a threshold set by the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Residents can have up to two visitors at a time,and the visitors must undergo temperature checks, wear face coverings and socially distance during the visit. At least one of the two visitors must be at least 18 years of age or older. For each facility, only 10 percent of the residents can be allowed visitors at any time.
Nursing homes accepting visitors will be required to send their visitation plan to NYSDOH and follow guidance outlined here.
Zucker also announced the resumption of on-site visitation for the state’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman program, which provides additional support to residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities.