As COVID-19 restrictions loosen for most in New York, advocates say freedoms for those in group homes are lagging behind.

The New York Alliance for Developmental Disabilities held a news conference Friday about state restrictions for group homes.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says vaccinated people no longer have to quarantine if exposed, but those living in group homes are required to do so for 14 days.

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Advocates of people with special needs say the lockdowns have already caused immeasurable mental harm to these individuals, and they're calling for the same freedoms as everyone else.

"I would hope people would trust family to know we are the first line to protect our loved ones and would not put them in harm's way, that is the last thing we would do ... I can't say how heartbreaking this is," says Laura Tobia, family member and advocate.

Tobia's two brothers live in a group home.

News 12 reached out to the state Department of Health about the guidance and is waiting to hear back.