Vaccinated Texas nursing home residents can now hug their families and receive more visitors after a year of isolation

After a year of isolation from loved ones and lack of physical contact with their families in some cases, Texas nursing home residents who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are now allowed unlimited hugs and visits from their loved ones as long as the facility permits it, under new rules announced Tuesday by state health officials.

The rule change is effective immediately.

“Nothing can replace a hug and a smile from a loved one, and we anticipate many happy reunions,” said Becky Anderson, chief clinical officer for Focused Post Acute Care Partners, which runs 31 facilities in Texas.