Gov. DeWine Addresses Ohio’s COVID-19 Response

On March 12, Governor Mike DeWine addressed Ohio’s efforts in relation to COVID-19. Many topics were discussed, such as the closure of public schools for three weeks beginning Monday.  The statement also included a statement that additional, more stringent regulations will be issued within the next several days in regards to nursing home visitation in order to protect the most at-risk. DeWine had already issued an order on Wednesday, the 11th, that all nursing homes and assisted living communities were to limit visitors to one per resident per day, have a single entrance point to the building, keep a visitor log, and to ensure that all who entered were screened for temperature and potential illness.

In addition to the visitor limitations, Mennonite Home Communities of Ohiohas already implemented the following:

  • • Increased frequency of disinfecting and sanitizing high-touch areas
    • Employees to all campuses will be screened upon arrival to work,
    • Home Health staff will use recommended precautions for in home client visits,
    • Public events scheduled at MHCO campuses will be cancelled through March 31, 2020

We are also recommending communication with staff and residents in our communities by phone, e-mail, and other forms of electronic communication at this time.  Staff are currently working on establishing access to alternative forms of communication when and if the need were to arise.

Please check back to the MHCO website and Facebook page often for continued updates as we continue to monitor the situation.