Separated by COVID, sisters hug for the first time in a year

SAN ANTONIO (WOAI/KABB) — One year ago, the "stay home, work safe" order was put into effect as COVID-19 rapidly spread.

The order requested all San Antonio and Bexar County residents stay home unless heading to work or taking care of essential errands.

It limited gatherings to immediate family only. At nursing homes and long-term care facilities, visitors were banned.

But this week, Texas Health and Human Services are officially giving everyone the green light for visitation to resume.

This new policy also allows for fully-vaccinated nursing home residents to hug anyone who comes visit. It's a welcome change for many residents who have gone without hugs from their loved ones for more than a year.

Janie Hernandez' sister lives at a nursing home. It's been 374 days since she hugged her sister, Suzie Lopez.

It was March 15 when Morningside Senior Living Facility closed its doors to visitors, allowing only essential caregivers.

"I didn't want to tell her that I knew that that would probably be the last time I was going to be able to see her," said Hernandez"

On Wednesday, Hernandez got the call she could see Suzie again.

"We're really excited for the families in the residents to get reunited," said administrator Wes Wells.

It was a moment Lopez did not see coming, but as soon as she saw her sister, Lopez opened her arms and the two hugged.

"It was a big surprise for me," said Suzie.

"We just knew the residents were starving for the physical touch," added Wells. "This will allow the grandchildren to come in dogs can come back, extended family and friends."

According to HHSC, fully vaccinated residents can hug their loved ones, plexiglass is no longer required and outdoor visitation is allowed, even if a facility has a COVID-19 outbreak.

"We're kind of all in this together. Being responsible together will allow us to hopefully continue to do this, you know forevermore," said Wells.

These new rules affect all Texas skilled nursing facilities.

But if you're getting pushback, call the state ombudsman office at (210) 252-2412.