New Rules For NY Nursing Homes In Coronavirus Micro-Clusters

New York health officials have put new restrictions on nursing homes in the coronavirus micro-clusters designated as red, orange or yellow zones.

The new regulations, issued Tuesday, suspend visitation entirely in nursing homes located in red and orange zones. The exceptions are: compassionate care (i.e. end of life, hospice situations) medically or clinically necessary (i.e. visitor is essential to the care of the patient as determined by the facility and treating provider), and necessary legal representatives.

In addition, all nursing homes in red, orange or yellow zones must test or make arrangements to test all personnel twice a week. If they're not doing the testing themselves, they must make sure that testing for the staff is free of charge and reasonably accessible, and they have to give staff access to a computer and printer for making records of test results.

Coronavirus cases and COVID-19 deaths are problems for nursing homes across the country. New York ranks 37th in average coronavirus cases among nursing home residents, and 24th in deaths per 1,000 residents.

The restrictions come as families are vociferously agitating to be allowed to see their loved ones. A nursing home in New York is being sued by a woman who says she hasn't been allowed to visit her husband since April, WCBSFM radio reported.

Amid rising coronavirus cases statewide, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced more restrictions on businesses and gatherings Wednesday. Bars and restaurants that sell alcohol and gyms must close by 10 p.m. Private house parties are limited to no more than 10 people. If a household contains more than 10 people, no more than those living in the household will be permitted.