Ohio Implementing New Testing Protocols for Assisted Living Communities

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine on Thursday announced a new statewide testing protocol for assisted living communities, reports WDTN-TV Channel 2 . He said staff members and residents will employ baseline saliva tests, which can be self-performed or done with assistance. Ohio also is working with a provider that can supply enough tests, which are minimally invasive and produce results within 48 hours. The tests will be free and mandatory for all residents and staff at all assisted living communities, and DeWine pledged to issue an order on the initiative soon. He said the additional testing enables public health departments to conduct contact tracing sooner, which can help prevent more coronavirus cases. DeWine also announced senior centers and adult day centers may reopen Sept. 21 at reduced capacity.