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Elderly residents can hug their families without risking their health.

Elderly folks in care homes around the world have been forced to isolate themselves from the outside world while the pandemic rages, as the vast majority are right in the virus’ strike zone. This, unfortunately, extends to family members. Elderly residents of care homes have been unable to see their children and grandchildren since the pandemic started in earnest, and it’s been wearing on them emotionally. One care home in Brazil has designed a way to get them the affection they need while still keeping them safe.

Três Figueiras, a care home located in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, has invented what they call the “hug tunnel,” a thick plastic cube with four plastic arm sleeves that can extend both in and out. By using the hug tunnel, visitors can see their parents in person, and even hug them, without risking spreading the virus. This has proven to be very uplifting for the residents, who have been unable to communicate with their families outside of video calls since March.

“We noticed that our senior residents were feeling sad,” Luciana Brito, one of the owners of the facility, told CNN. “We thought they would be much happier if we found a way for them to hug their relatives.”

Credit: Getty Images/Lucas Uebel

In order to keep the hug tunnel safe, visits are scheduled ahead of time, and every thirty minutes, both sides of the sheet, as well as the arm sleeves, are thoroughly disinfected by staff. All visitors are also required to have their temperatures taken and to use hand sanitizer. While the sensation of hugging through plastic isn’t exactly the same as a traditional hug, residents are no less happy to finally see their families.

“My two daughters came to visit me and I was very happy to see them,” 81-year-old Eraldo Quintana said. “If we didn’t have this we would be scared to embrace due to the coronavirus.”

“If anyone out there runs a senior living home or facility, I recommend you do this,” administrator Rubia Santos said. “It is so gratifying to see them hugging each other and so important.”