COVID restrictions are being loosed slightly on nursing home facilities in Texas.
According to a release from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, there are new guidelines for nursing and long term care facilities, all of which are into effect immediately.
basic protocols, such as wearing facemasks, will still be followed. However, they now can permit close contact during visitation for fully vaccinated patients, no time limits on visitations, and end-of-life visits for all residents, regardless of their COVID status.
In these changes, facilities no longer have to request visitation approval from the state, monitor and escort the visitors to and from the visiting area, or require a negative COVID-19 test for essential caregivers or salon services visitors.
The state follows the federal guidance issued earlier in march by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.