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A truly festive mood punctuated by shouts of “I love you!” and “I miss you!” was the scene Friday afternoon as several dozen members of the community turned out for an impromptu parade past all three senior living facilities operated by Crisp Regional Health Services. Crisp Regional was quick to tighten visitation rules at the three facilities, Crisp Regional Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Blackshear Retirement Villas, and Cordele Health and Rehab Center, at the outbreak of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, which has paid dividends and largely prevented the spread of COVID-19 through the facilities.

As a way to celebrate, but still maintain safe social distancing protocols, Crisp Regional organized a parade for anyone who wanted to participate. Loved ones who haven’t seen one another since the pandemic hit were able to share a little bit of joy without fear of disease transmission thanks to the event.