Local officials are calling on the state to allow visitation and home visits for group home residents.

"There certainly are guidelines, and there are certainly protocols that can absolutely keep everyone safe. But it seems, to some degree, that the state of New York and, sadly, the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) believe that everyone with a disability is somehow more at risk, they are not," says Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro.  

Group homes have been closed to visitors since March, and there is still no word yet on when they'll reopen.

OPWDD officials say they understand families' concerns, but they have a responsibility to ensure the health and safety of the vulnerable population.