Deaths of nursing home residents and staff reached triple digits this week and facility officials say the number will likely continue to climb. But a state legislator wants to allow visitors back into nursing homes as early as June 1.

Rep. Lundy Kiger, R-Poteau, urged the governor to begin planning a "soft reopening" of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities that would include precautions like reserving a room for visitations, screening visitors and requiring them to wear masks and practice social distancing.

But families of nursing home residents and facility officials say it's too...