News
New Order Requires Nursing Homes To Allow Visits In Most Cases
By: Jo Ingles | Statehouse News Bureau
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COLUMBUS, Ohio (Statehouse News Bureau) — Currently in Ohio, nursing home visitors need to be screened for COVID-19 symptoms at the front door, need to sign in, wear masks and schedule those visits in advance. But there’s a new state order meant to ensure visitors are more common in those nursing facilities.
“We are requiring the nursing homes and assisted living to have visitation whenever circumstances are met, the criteria is met.”
DeWine said the order spells out that hugging is allowed between vaccinated people, visits can happen in resident’s rooms, and visits must be 30-minute minimum.
The state requires vaccinated staff to be tested once per week, un-vaccinated staff tested twice a week. Vaccinations continue to be offered to staff.
Newly re-calculated death totals show around 38% of all COVID deaths in Ohio were in nursing homes.