Families in New York are relieved to hear they could soon have the chance to go inside nursing homes to see their loved ones.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo made the announcement Friday. The Department of Health could release safety measures and guidelines as soon as Monday, such as recommending a rapid test for visitors to enter.

"This is going to be a very big deal for nursing home residents and families," Gov. Cuomo said.

Barbara McKay and her family have endured signs, masks, and windows all separating her from seeing her dad, Thomas Gary. He's in a Bronx nursing home.

"We're losing time," McKay said. "Precious time that we won't get back."

The former New York City bus driver has dementia and Alzheimer's. In the spring, he got the coronavirus.

"He could not understand why we couldn't come in. We always bring him his coffee," McKay said. "We had a lot of trouble explaining that he couldn't come around to get it."

McKay says safety must be prioritized, and she and her family will do whatever it takes to safely see Gary.