COLUMBUS — Gov. Mike DeWine is lifting nursing home restrictions, allowing indoor visits to resume Oct. 12.

“When you enter one of these facilities, you are entering someone’s home," said Director of the Department of Aging Ursel McElroy, "and so for those visiting, remember, you’re walking into the home of not only your loved one, but into the homes of their friends and others.”

Before the doors swing open, the facilities must adhere to strict protocols — including no more than two visitors per resident with half hour time caps, masks, and frequent sanitation.

“So, they have to one, consider the case status in that surrounding community." said McElroy, "They have to examine community transition — is it low, medium, or high?”

Ultimately, it’s up to the individual establishment to determine if the risk is too high.

“When you walk into a nursing home or an assisted living facility, all of us can unknowingly be carrying the virus, and unknowingly spread it to residents and staff and their respective families” said McElroy.

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