Alabamians hoping to visit their loved ones who reside in nursing homes will have to keep waiting due to the continued threat of COVID-19, though the Nursing Home Association is working to allow visits as soon as they are safe.

Brandon Farmer, Alabama Nursing Home Association president and CEO, released a statement Wednesday updating the public on the current status of nursing home visits.

“The Alabama Nursing Home Association and its members are working toward our goal of reopening nursing homes to family and friends. We know it is important for our residents and their loved ones to have in-person visits,” remarked Farmer.

Farmer said the members of his association will return to in-person visits “as soon as they are safely able to do so,” but added that the Association’s “top priority remains the health and safety of our residents and staff.”

“I must stress that nursing homes care for people who are most vulnerable to COVID-19 and must protect the health and safety of residents and staff,” he warned.

The association president said that deliberation on reopening for visits “depends greatly on the status of the disease in the local community.”

Alabama has 231 nursing homes in which 24,500 reside. An estimated 31,000 people work at the facilities.

“We appreciate the patience and understanding of families as we care for their loved ones and look forward to seeing them soon,” Farmer concluded.

Henry Thornton is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can contact him by email: henry@new-yhn.local or on Twitter @HenryThornton95