The Wyoming Department of Health will now allow in-person visits at long-term care facilities, but under specific guidelines.
Visits will only take place in a designated outdoor space, and will be limited to two visitors at a time. Also, visitors will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms, and they'll have to wear a face covering, while staff and residents will need to wear a surgical face mask.
Wyoming Health Officer Dr. Alexia Harrist said she knows how hard it's been for family members to be separated. Still, she said the separation was necessary.
"All along we have been focused on protecting the residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities, because they are our most vulnerable citizens," she said.
Harrist said as facilities decide whether or not to allow visits, they should consider local conditions.
Have a question about this story? Contact the reporter, Maggie Mullen, at mmullen5@uwyo.edu.