Most COVID-19 Restrictions Lifted From Nursing Homes

FILE - Jim Young, a Navy veteran, kisses his daughter Holly Hurst, without the use of protective garments at the Mississippi State Veterans Home in Collins, Miss., as part of Operation "Family Reunion," April 1, 2021. The government on Friday, Nov. 12, directed nursing homes to open their doors wide to visitors, easing many remaining pandemic restrictions while urging residents, families and facility staff to keep their guard up against outbreaks. AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis, File

Nursing homes were told by the U.S. government Friday to ease restrictions imposed around the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, including allowing visitors at all times.

The updated guidance (pdf) from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) cites an increase in vaccination rates among nursing home residents and a drop in COVID-19 cases nationwide since the last update, made in March.