New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker announced on Tuesday that the wait time before visitation can occur at nursing homes will be reduced from 28 to 14 days.
The reduction in waiting time without a positive case is viewed as a win at some facilities, but not everywhere.
The new guidelines are scheduled to go into effect on Thursday, September 17th.
Visitors will be required to bring a negative COVID-19 test result from the last seven days. Anyone who shows symptoms of the virus or does not pass a screening process when entering will not be allowed to visit.
A maximum of two visitors will be allowed per resident; no more than 10 percent of the number of residents at nursing homes can be allowed in at once.
Face coverings and social distancing will also be required.
“We continue to be guided by science and concern for residents’ welfare and will monitor nursing homes that host visitors, to make sure this action does not lead to an increase in cases,” Zucker added in a statement.
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