Ohio Nursing Homes Can Begin Outdoor Visitation July 20

COLUMBUS, OH — Outdoor visits can begin at Ohio nursing homes on July 20, Gov. Mike DeWine announced Monday.

DeWine said he made the decision to open nursing homes to outdoor visits after considering the long-term health impacts a morale-boosting visit from family or friends could have.

Nursing homes must follow all health and safety visitation guidelines laid out by the Ohio Department of Health. Nursing home leaders should assess the health of their community before opening up for visitation.

The following factors must be considered before opening to visitation:

• Case status in community
• Case status in nursing home
• Staffing levels
• Access to adequate testing for residents/staff
• Personal protective equipment supplies
• Hospital capacity

"We are confident that our approach provides each facility the flexibility needed to assess their readiness to safely facilitate outdoor visitation — and to do so in a transparent way that keeps residents and families informed," DeWine said.

The Ohio National Guard has been tasked with testing all patients and caregivers at nursing homes. Guardsmen have tested more than 25,000 people at approximately 200 Ohio nursing homes. That testing process is ongoing.