The Ohio Department of Aging (ODA) and the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) have announced a statewide COVID-19 testing initiative for Ohio’s assisted living facilities.
To support Ohio’s facilities, ODH and ODA have secured a testing provider who is able to offer baseline saliva testing to all assisted living staff and residents at no cost to the facilities. The tests can be self-performed or performed with assistance, under the observance of licensed medical staff. The tests are minimally invasive and provide reliable results in about 48 hours upon the lab’s receipt.
The state will ship tests and pre-paid shipping supplies directly to providers. Providers will be given access to a web-based test portal to enter basic information and to track results, and will receive training. ODH and ODA have also contemplated and developed contingency plans for situations that may arise during testing.
Next week, informational webinars are planned for facility leaders and for licensed staff members who will monitor the self-administered tests.