Families Reunited At Commack Nursing Home After 1-Year Quarantine

COMMACK, NY — Families were reunited with their loved ones living at Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Commack on Tuesday after more than a year since the start of the coronavirus pandemic shutdowns, the nursing home announced in a news release.

More than 40 family reunions were celebrated. Tuesday marked the first visitors to be allowed inside the facility since the New York State Department of Health (DOH) closed all nursing homes in March 2020 at the beginning of the COVID-19 shutdown. Approximately 360 residents are currently living at Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.

"This is a day we have long awaited," said Stuart B. Almer, president & CEO of Gurwin Healthcare System. "We are so very happy for the many families who were able to reunite today. It has been an extraordinarily challenging year, and we are thankful to our resident family members for their patience and their support."

All family members were screened upon entering the building based on DOH visitation guidelines, which included a forehead temperature check and completion of an attestation form regarding COVID-19 symptoms, exposure and recent travel. Visitors were strongly encouraged to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or to be tested within 72 hours of their visit. They were required to wear masks throughout the visit and to perform hand hygiene upon entry into the facility, before visiting with their loved one, and before leaving, according to the health care system.

Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center is at 68 Hauppauge Road, Commack.