Michigan Relaxing Safety Guidelines for Families to Visit Nursing and Assisted Living Communities

FOX 17 West Michigan reports that the state of Michigan is easing safety rules for allowing visitors to nursing and assisted living communities. Certain precautions, like mask-wearing, are still in effect, but families appreciate the eased regulations. One such community is St. Ann's home in Grand Rapids. Prior to the relaxation, visitors were often separated from loved ones by plexiglass and forced to interact from six feet away. Families and visitors to St. Ann's are required to sign up online for open slots, but Karen Lynema, whose mother is a resident, says there are only four slots a day. Although COVID tests are not required to visit St. Ann's, the state is strongly urging people to consider taking them. Staff administer temperature checks, and if any resident tests positive, they cannot have visitors for two weeks.