COLUMBUS, Ohio — On Thursday, Gov. Mike DeWine announced an order that will allow adult day centers and senior centers to open at a reduced capacity beginning on Sept. 21, as long as the centers follow issued guidelines.
Some of the requirements to reopening include limited capacity, limited entry sites, daily screenings, baseline and repeat testing, face masks or coverings, cohorting and thorough cleaning, DeWine said.
The governor announced in March that adult day centers and senior centers were to close in order to protect those most vulnerable to COVID-19.
More specific guidelines regarding the order will be posted on the state’s website soon.
DeWine also announced Thursday that a statewide COVID-19 testing initiative has been launched across Ohio’s nearly 800 assisted living facilities.
The governor said that baseline saliva testing is being offered to all assisted living staff and residents at no cost.
The saliva tests can be self-performed or performed with assistance with a licensed medical staff member observing.
DeWine said that the tests are minimally invasive and provide “reliable results in about 48 hours.”
In order to achieve 100% participation from the assisted living facilities, DeWine will issue an order requiring all facilities in Ohio to participate in the testing initiative.
