Limited visitation can resume at some nursing homes on July 15, according to the New York State Health Department. 

Residents at facilities that have been without COVID-19 for at least 28 days will be allowed two visitors at a time, according to state guidance. One of the visitors must be at least 18 years old, and only 10% of residents can be allowed visitors at any time.All visitors must wear masks, undergo temperature checks and socially distance throughout their stay. 

The DOH says it may make adjustments to this policy based on updated virus facts and data.

State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said it was critical to resume visitations in a “smart and cautious way,”

“I know how painful it has been for residents of these facilities to endure such a long period of time without seeing family and loved ones, and my hope is that this adjustment to the visitation policy will provide some comfort to everyone,” Zucker said in a statement.

Seniors are considered most vulnerable to the coronavirus, and they account for the highest number of virus-related deaths. According to the state Health Department, at least 6,326 COVID-positive seniors were admitted to nursing homes between March 25 and May 8.

The NY DOH issued a directive on March 25 to send nursing home residents treated for the coronavirus in hospitals back to their facilities once released from hospitals. Critics say this policy led to over 6,000 deaths in nursing homes regulated by the state.

Although Governor Andrew Cuomo later reversed the policy, his administration denied that it had affected the rate of infections in nursing homes. On July 6, the state DOH released a report saying that the virus entered nursing homes primarily through asymptomatic staff and visitors, not infected residents. 

The Assembly and the State Legislature will hold hearings later this month to address coronavirus-related deaths in nursing homes, although sources say the Cuomo administration is against this course of action. 

Additional reporting by Zack Fink.