06/09/2022

You asked... We Answered

You Asked: 

Does a facility have to move a COVID-19 positive resident to a designated COVID isolation unit, or can a facility choose to shelter them in place? Our facility is not seeing large outbreaks like at the beginning of the pandemic and we feel we can staff better if we keep them in their current room versus re-opening an entire unit. 

We Answered: 

No, a facility does not have to move the resident and may choose to isolate in place. ODH has confirmed they understand when it may be in the interest of the resident’s care to remain in the current room. Facilities need to ensure they follow the COVID-19 infection control practices such as not cohorting a positive resident with a non-COVID positive resident, donning the appropriate PPE before entering the isolation room and the additional standards outline in the CDC’s Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations to Prevent SARS-CoV-2 Spread in Nursing Homes webpage and the Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Healthcare Personnel During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic webpage. A facility can also work with their local health department when determining alternative strategies. ODH has confirmed they would defer to the local health department’s recommendation.