LANCASTER, N.Y. (WKBW) — It’s been several months for some families, and almost a year for others since they’ve seen in person their loved ones living in a nursing home.
“Just to be together and see one another it’s great. It’s a miracle,” said Norm Plezia, who’s wife is living in the Greenfield Health and Rehabilitation Center in Lancaster.
It’s been six long months since Tonni Straud has seen her 84 year-old husband Don.
“It was really great and so uplifting,” she said. “He was so happy.”
There were tears, laughs and smiles during the reunion for many families today at Greenfield.
Governor Andrew Cuomo gave the green light for nursing homes to allow visitation beginning Friday with strict guidelines.
A nursing home can only allow visits if it has not had a COVID-19 case in 14 days.
Testing is required 72 hours before the visit if the county’s COVID-19 transmission rate is between 5-10%.
If the transmission rate in the county exceeds 10%, visits will be suspended.
Administrators at Greenfield say vaccinations have helped keep numbers at 0.
Greenfield provided a rapid test to all visitors Friday.
“It’s a day we thought was never going to come,” said Jeff Straud. “I’m thankful we don’t have to eat until it’s all over to see him because time is precious.”
