Wake Forest, NC – State health officials said on Thursday that nursing homes across North Carolina could once again allow visitors to enter the home.
Visitors have generally been prevented from going to nursing homes since March last year to limit the spread of the coronavirus to the very vulnerable population in its interior. The only exceptions are when residents are close to death so that family members can see them one last time.
But the state’s Department of Health and Human Services said coronavirus infections in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities are “rapidly decreasing.”
North Carolina was adding about 4,000 cases in nursing homes and residential care facilities each month last fall, but the number soared to nearly 9,000 in December and exceeded 10,000 in January.
The number has now returned to levels close to those seen last fall.
Officials said the decline is likely due to a move to vaccinate employees and residents as soon as the vaccine is available.
According to the state, more than 205,000 vaccinations have been administered to long-term employees and residents since January.
After a negative coronavirus test, Paula and Ray Nickola were able to visit their mother at Cadence in Wake Forest on Thursday.
“You don’t know how special this is because Ray is not a hug,” said Peggy Nickola as her son and daughter-in-law hugged her.
Peggy Nickola said that being without her family last year was “very devastating”. But she said her daughter-in-law called her every morning to read Bible passages over the phone.
Ray Nickola said that not being able to have his mother home at Christmas was especially difficult. Like so many others during the pandemic, he had to wish his mother a Merry Christmas during acrylic.
“I am 62 years old and this is the first time I’m not with her,” he said. “It was very unusual. It just didn’t feel right.”
Peggy Nickola is now fully vaccinated and is looking forward to spending the next Christmas and more with her beloved some.
“ÇWhat I keep telling everyone is, if you have a family that cares about you, you’re already way ahead. My kids have been extremely wonderful, “she said.
Nursing homes should continue to follow infection control measures for visitors, such as masks and distance from other people. In addition, each facility must not have reported a new infection for 14 days before allowing visitors.
Mark Foreman, Cadence’s chief executive in Wake Forest, said that no cases of viruses were reported at the facility, and he doesn’t expect that to change now that outsiders are entering.
“There is always an opportunity [for infection], it is clear. But we are not going to lower our standards in that direction, “said Foreman.
“I know it has been a long and difficult year for residents and families, but these measures have saved lives and are now allowing us to resume safe visitation indoors,” DHHS Secretary Dr Mandy Cohen said in a statement. “Although we need to continue with infection prevention practices, this decrease is also a positive sign of the impact that vaccines have on our communities.”
Visitors need to contact a specific facility for more information on rules and policies.