Des Moines, Ia- Governor Kim Reynolds says state officials are providing new guidelines so nursing homes may reopen to visitors. Long term care facilities were closed to visitors back in March, to reduce the risk that residents would contract COVID-19.
“This time of separation has been extremely difficult for residents of long term care facilities and their loved ones,” Reynolds says. “I’ve heard stories of spouses that have been married for over 60 years who have rarely spent a day apart until these last three months, of sons and daughters who worry they’re missing precious time with an elderly parent.”
The governor says there are also concerns about how social isolation is impacting the mental health of nursing home residents.
State Medical Director Dr. Caitlin Pedati says facilities will be getting guidance from the state on how to ease some virus-related restrictions.
