FILE - In this July 17, 2020 file photo, a senior citizen holds the hand of a care coordinator at a Health facility in Miami. The Trump administration is claiming “resounding vindication” from an independent commission’s report on the coronavirus crisis in nursing homes. But some panel members are saying that’s a misinterpretation of their conclusion that much remains to be done to safeguard vulnerable residents. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
FILE - In this July 17, 2020 file photo, a senior citizen holds the hand of a care coordinator at a Health facility in Miami. The Trump administration is claiming “resounding vindication” from an independent commission’s report on the coronavirus crisis in nursing homes. But some panel members are saying that’s a misinterpretation of their conclusion that much remains to be done to safeguard vulnerable residents. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee) Credit: Wilfredo Lee

Nursing homes are reverting back to stricter restrictions as COVID-19 cases across the state surge.

Long-term care facilities, which enjoyed a short period of relief during the summer, are now all back either in Stage I or II of reopening, which limits group activities, communal dining, and non-essential personnel like hair dressers.

“This is not unexpected,” Shibinette said at a press conference Thursday. “We have a pretty low threshold for stepping back long term care.”

She said as long as long-term care facilities do not have a current outbreak, they will still be allowed visitations, as Centers for Medicare and Medicaid requires.

During the most recent wave of infection at nursing homes, three facilities reported outbreaks. As of Thursday, Bedford Hills reported 61 resident cases, 20 staff cases, and 16 deaths.