“For 120 days nursing home residents, their families, and staff have made immense sacrifices to keep their facilities, and the community at large, safe. Throughout that time, I have spoken with numerous administrators, employees and family members who communicated their desire for both safety and visitation, which I have been continuously advocating could be done safely. Today’s announcement from New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker is welcome news for the thousands of North Country residents who have been longing to safely visit their loved ones; they now have a light at the end of the tunnel and I am proud that the governor heard my advocacy on this very personal issue.”