What is Matilda’s Law?

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us want to spend time with our loved ones.

Unfortunately, for the health and well being of our elders that is not necessarily the best way to protect them. The CDC and WHO have recognized seniors as the most at risk population for contracting COVID-19. Some grocery stores have early senior citizen hours and many people are organizing to help senior citizens in their communities.

One group we need to keep in mind are our friends and family who are in nursing homes or long term care facilities (LTCFs).

These folks are particularly at risk. While other residential places such as colleges and hotels are closed or limiting the number of people present, LTCFs don’t have that luxury. As such, many of them are closed to outside visitors and are taking steps to practice social distancing, quarantine, and to protect both their residents and employees.

New York State has enacted Matilda’s Law to protect New Yorkers age 70 and older and those with compromised immune systems.

Matilda’s Law includes recommendations to remain indoors whenever possible, going outdoors for solitary exercise, screening all visitors by taking their temperatures, wearing a mask in the company of others, and practicing social distancing by staying at least 6 feet from others. Additionally, Governor Cuomo announced that beginning March 13 that only medically necessary visits would be permitted to nursing homes. The state has asked that nursing homes set up Skype and other online communication formats so that families can tele-visit their loved ones. Additionally, nursing home workers are required to go through a health screening each day they enter a facility and are required to wear surgical masks to guard against any potential asymptomatic spread. This is a weird and scary time for many of us. But we each must do our part to protect the most vulnerable in our society. Be sure to talk with your loved ones about their plans for getting groceries and prescriptions. Make sure to call and video chat with those you cannot visit. It never hurts to go through your emergency plans with your loved ones during times like these.