ROANOKE, Va. – For the first time in months, federal health officials are easing COVID-19 restrictions for nursing homes and long-term care facilities in their latest guidelines that say it is OK to allow indoor visits. Officials say moving forward, they are recommending indoor visits at all times, regardless of people’s vaccination status. This allows thousands of families torn apart by the pandemic to reunite for the first time without barriers. There are currently 4 outbreaks at area facilities that have resulted in five deaths, according to the Virginia Department of Health. For more information about Virginia’s efforts to support long-term care facilities, please visit the Virginia Long-Term Care Task Force website.