Okla. Nursing Homes Putting Together Reopening Plans

Starting Monday, nursing homes have the ability to welcome back guests if they meet the phased reopening guidelines laid out by the Oklahoma State Health Department.

This was made possible after Governor Kevin Stitt amended his executive order Friday, June 13. 

The OSDH's guidance for facilities has three phases that are based on things like prevalence of COVID-19 in each facility, cases in the home's surrounding community and local hospital capacity.

The OSDH said each place is also supposed to verify with their department that they have updated their infection control plan.

This change is happening just two days after the state had its largest peak of COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began. There was also a rise in major counties like Oklahoma and Tulsa County.

News 9 reached out to care providers and health officials and found many facilities are still trying to form their plans. Care Providers of Oklahoma said no one should expect a return to completely unrestricted access. The best bet is to call the facility you are trying to visit and make sure they are allowing guests. 

News 9 did reach out to the OKC County Health Department to ask about facilities in the county and what would be happening Monday, but we have not received a response.