Gov. Phil Murphy says family members, parents and legal guardians of residents at pediatric long-term care facilities can now begin indoor visitations under specific conditions, for the first time in three months.

 

Gov. Murphy said Wednesday facilities with zero new positive COVID-19 cases over a 28-day period can begin allowing indoor meetings by appointment only.

"We know this has been a trying time for families of residents in these settings,” says Gov. Murphy. “As we've mentioned before, when it comes to saving some of our state's more vulnerable residents, we've had to take extra precautions to save lives."

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Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli said officials realize it’s been difficult for parents and loved ones to be away from their children for more than three months.

"We've been focused on putting together guidance that not only safeguards the health of these individuals, but includes the very latest that we're learning day by day about this virus,” says Persichilli.

She says visitors must be screened for symptoms and exposure to the virus and a designated area in the facility must be designed.

The facilities must also have written guidelines in place before allowing visitation. Outdoor visitations will also continue.