4 things you need to know before visiting loved ones in nursing homes

There are a lot of new regulations now in place, but being able to visit comes down to the COVID-19 positivity rate in the county where the facility is located.

In just a few days, families across New York state will be able to reunite with their loved ones in nursing homes due to new guidelines that are now in place.

There are a lot of new regulations now in place, but being able to visit comes down to the COVID-19 positivity rate in the county where the facility is located.

So if your loved one is in a nursing home in the state, as long as the COVID-19 numbers are down, you'll be good to go. Here's what you need to know:

If a county's COVID positivity rate is less than 5%, no COVID-19 test is required for visitors prior to going to see their loved ones - but state health officials say it is encouraged.
If a county's COVID transmission rate is between 5% and 10%, visitors must be tested within 72 hours of the visit. And it can be a rapid test. The state health department will provide rapid tests to the nursing homes at no cost.
If a visitor has received the vaccine and it has been at least 14 days since the first shot and within 90 days since the second shot, there is no need for a COVID test.
If a county’s COVID rate is greater than 10%, no visitation is allowed except for compassionate care. No visitation is allowed if there has been a positive case in the facility within 14 days. And of course, if a visitor tests positive, they will not be allowed in.

Facilities must limit the number of guests to 20% of the residential capacity and visits must be done in separate rooms as precautions.

The new rules go into effect this Friday.

More from News 12

1:32