Visitation Resumes at Residential Facilities June 18, 2020

As most of you already know, Governor Cuomo has announced that visitation may resume at OPWDD certified homes and residential facilities.

The guidance that providers and visitors must follow has been posted to the OPWDD website and we have provided them below. As outlined in the guidance, we will be required to follow specific protocols and guidelines for visitation that take into account:

1. Staffing
2. Disinfection and infection controls
3. Staggered visits to ensure social distancing
4. Documentation of who is visiting the home
5. Adequate PPE

In addition, all visitors will be required to take part in symptom and temperature checks, wear a mask, sanitize their hands upon arrival and perform meticulous hand hygiene throughout the visit. Visitation is encouraged to occur outside the facility if weather permits, with masks worn by all parties and with social distancing in place.

As always, our number one priority as we resume visitation is to continue to ensure the health and safety of the people we support and the community at large. IAHD has begun to work on procedures that will ensure the health and safety of everyone. Families will receive a letter from us further explaining our plans to make reunions for friends and family pleasant and safe.

Omayra Andino
CEO

OPWDD Interim Visitation Guidance