Since the pandemic started, nursing homes have shut down to visitors as they care for the most vulnerable populations and can’t risk spreading COVID-19 to their residents. Now that restrictions are easing up, the Hebrew Home in Riverdale is allowing families to drive in for a visit. 

For 92-year-old Gloria Desoto, it was a complete surprise, her family says. Her son-in-law and grandson came to see her. 

They were given a sanitized speaker to talk to Desoto through and she had one on the other end. 

The Hebrew Home says the resident must test negative for COVID-19 to make the visit and has to stay inside. Also, as a safety measure, the family must have their temperature taken at the gate before entering. 

The home is offering these visits to all their families seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.