Get ready to wrap your arms around your nursing home loved ones! There’s great news on the pandemic front this week — after a long year of limited in-person visits, the CDC is easing federal COVID-19 restrictions for nursing home visits.
Under the new guidance, health officials now state that even unvaccinated visitors can meet nursing home residents face-to-face. Yes, you read that right — it’s time for real hugs instead of virtual chats or outdoor visits through a window. “Facilities should permit indoor visits at all times for all residents, regardless of vaccination status, except in certain high-risk situations,” the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced in their latest advice.
Fully vaccinated residents can now enjoy physical contact with their families, bringing a wave of relief for those who have felt the emotional toll of isolation. Many nursing homes faced devastating circumstances during the pandemic, with significant COVID-19 death rates in long-term care facilities. Family members had to find creative ways to connect, often resorting to FaceTime or window visits. The emotional strain of this separation has been tough on everyone involved.
CMS emphasized the importance of physical contact: “There is no substitute for physical contact, such as the warm embrace between a resident and their loved one.” They also advised that vaccinated residents could have close contact with visitors while wearing a well-fitting mask and practicing hand hygiene before and after the visit.
However, indoor visits might still be restricted for unvaccinated residents in areas with a COVID-19 positivity rate above 10%, or if less than 70% of the facility’s residents are fully vaccinated. Other exceptions apply to residents who have been confirmed to have COVID-19 or are in quarantine.
In related news, the CDC has released new guidelines for vaccinated grandparents, signaling that it’s time for hugs with grandkids! Fully vaccinated individuals can safely spend time with unvaccinated family and friends who are at low risk for severe illness. They can also gather indoors without masks or physical distancing when among other fully vaccinated individuals.
As of now, around 63 million Americans, or nearly 19% of the population, have received at least one vaccine dose, with about 10% fully vaccinated. Among those aged 65 and older, approximately one-third are fully vaccinated.
On a personal note, I can’t wait to embrace my grandma, who is 84 and fully vaccinated, once I’m also fully vaccinated on April 6. For many families across the U.S., this new guidance brings joy and hope for reconnecting with loved ones.
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Summary
The CDC has announced new guidelines that allow indoor nursing home visits for all residents, regardless of vaccination status, under most circumstances. This shift comes after a year of isolation for many nursing home residents and their families. Those who are fully vaccinated can enjoy physical contact while adhering to safety measures. As vaccination rates increase, families can finally look forward to reuniting in person.