New York State has moved to bring its nursing home visitation rules into alignment with new guidance from the federal government.
The updated rules no longer require a nursing home to be COVID free for two weeks before visits to residents are allowed. The state still prefers outdoor visits, but indoor visits are allowed at all times. There are exceptions, including for trying to visit people who are quarantined or have an active COVID infection.
The state’s guidance issued in February closed the nursing facility to visitors anytime a staff member tested positive for COVID. The new guidance was issued Thursday evening.