NJ to allow in-person visits at LTC facilities in regions with 'low or moderate' COVID-19 activity

TRENTON, N.J. (1010 WINS) -- New Jersey will allow in-person visits to resume at some long-term care facilities, "regardless of vaccination status," Gov. Phil Murphy said Monday.

Residents staying at long-term care facilities in regions with "a low or moderate COVID-19 activity level index" will be able to receive visitors, Murphy said at a news briefing Monday afternoon.

The state's health department is expected to release details later in the day, he said.

"This new guidance  is in line with the guidance recently released by the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the CDC," Murphy said.

"We know that some residents are suffering from the impact of social isolation — I say some, I think we can safely say many, if not most — and being apart from their families for so long, and it's tough on everybody," he added. "In all cases, everyone — residents and visitors — must properly wear face masks."

Anyone who encounters "difficulty with visitations" should contact the state's Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman by calling 877-582-6995 or visiting nj.gov/ooie, Murphy noted.