HOUSTON – Some folks are pumping the brakes on new relaxed federal guidance for family and friends visiting nursing homes. Thompson believes this type of guidance should not come until the nation has reached “herd immunity,” where about 85% of the population has been vaccinated. Or even take them with them.”Medical experts say the relaxed guidance is a sign the pandemic’s spread is slowing significantly. AdShay Tatum said since the onset of COVID-19 none of their 65 residents has contracted the virus and they want to keep it that way. Visitors are also discouraged from seeing residents who have COVID-19 or are in quarantine after having been exposed to the virus.

HOUSTON – According to state data, the number of COVID-19 cases has been steadily increasing at nursing homes. “If I hear her voice I can tell if she’s OK or if she’s not feeling well,” said James Harvey. James Harvey said his wife had to be moved from her nursing facility in Webster to a facility in Baytown specializing in coronavirus-positive residents. “God, all the people out there that’s gone through this, I feel so sorry for them,” said James Harvey. As of Nov. 18, 4,243 nursing home residents have active COVID-19 cases.