Over the last several weeks there has been a push to make the rules around visitation to certain adult care facilities less intense in New York.
On Wednesday, state health officials moved to expand visitation rules during the pandemic.
Now, instead of needing 28 days of no COVID-19 cases, just 14 will be required.
The updated guidance does not effect adult nursing homes, which have seen over 6,000 residents die amid the pandemic.
“We understand how difficult the pandemic-related lockdowns have been for all New Yorkers, especially for children in nursing homes and their families,” said Jill Montag, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Health. “Outbreaks in pediatric nursing homes and adult care facilities have fortunately been less common and acute than at adult nursing homes, which has allowed us to expand visitation at these facilities. We continue to be guided by science and concern for residents’ welfare and will monitor facilities that host visitors, to ensure this action does not lead to an increase in cases.”
The new guidances for pediatric nursing homes can be found here. The adult care facility rules can be read here.
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