Not everyone thrilled about relaxed COVID-19 guidance for nursing homes

HOUSTON – Some of us are pumping the brakes on new relaxed federal steerage for household and associates visiting nursing properties.

These services are being inspired to permit indoor visits always and for all residents. That’s no matter whether or not individuals have been vaccinated, besides in a number of circumstances.

“I feel that it’s simply too early,” mentioned Angela Thompson, whose 73-year-old father Gerald is a resident at Nixon Assisted Dwelling in north Houston.

Thompson believes this sort of steerage shouldn’t come till the nation has reached “herd immunity,” the place about 85% of the inhabitants has been vaccinated.

“I feel that might be extra comfy for me,” she mentioned. “To principally permit everybody to enter into the ability and see their relations. And even take them with them.”

Medical consultants say the relaxed steerage is an indication the pandemic’s unfold is slowing considerably. However for the manager director of Nixon Assisted Dwelling that’s not sluggish sufficient.

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Shay Tatum mentioned for the reason that onset of COVID-19 none of their 65 residents has contracted the virus they usually wish to maintain it that manner.

“Our group is so susceptible,” she mentioned.

Federal officers say the exceptions embody when a resident has not been totally immunized towards the virus and lives at a house by which fewer than 70% of fellow residents are totally vaccinated and when the nursing house is in a group with excessive charges of native infections.

Guests are additionally discouraged from seeing residents who’ve COVID-19 or are in quarantine after having been uncovered to the virus.