A report released Friday by a national industry group found COVID-19 cases in nursing homes and long-term care facilities have declined by 96% across the country, while the fatality rates have dropped by 91% since the first vaccines were distributed late last year.

The report from the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living comes about three months after the first shots were distributed. Long-term care facility and nursing home residents were among the first people vaccinated as part of a nationwide program.

Meanwhile, willingness among staff to be vaccinated has also increased to 94%, and plans to decline the shot have dropped by 41%, according to the group's survey.

The data also comes as New York has loosened the year-long restrictions on nursing home visitations, dropping the requirement that a facility be COVID-free for two weeks before visits can take place. Gov. Andrew Cuomo last week also signed a bill setting care provider visitation rules for families.

Nevertheless, some facilities are continuing to operate under the previous guidance as they develop plans for safe visitations.