Families are now able to visit their loved ones at nursing homes across the state, though with some restrictions still in place.

Visitation at nursing homes were on pause because of COVID-19 concerns, but state officials confirmed that visitation can resume.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo gave permission for people to visit nursing home residents as long as they follow strict health safety protocols. One of the protocols is getting tested for COVID-19 within 72 hours prior to a visit in areas where the positivity rate is between 5% and 10%.

If the rate is less than 5%, a test is not required, but officials still say it's a good idea to get one. Rapid tests will also be available at nursing homes at no cost. 

People who have been fully vaccinated aren't required to get a COVID-19 test if it's been at least 14 days since their second dose, but it's still encouraged. There will also be a limit on how many people can visit at one time. As of now, only two visitors per resident will be allowed, and all visitors must be at least 18 years old.

Another requirement for visitation is that the nursing home must be free of COVID-19 cases for 14 days.