CDC – Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations to Prevent SARS-CoV-2 Spread in Nursing Homes (Updated)
Summary of Recent Changes
Updates as of March 29, 2021
- Two prior guidance documents, “Responding to COVID-19 in Nursing Homes” and “Performing Facility-wide SARS-CoV-2 Testing in Nursing Homes” were merged with this guidance.
- The criteria for health department notification was updated to be consistent with Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologist (CSTE) guidance for reporting.
- Information on the importance of vaccinating residents and healthcare personnel (HCP) was added along with links to vaccination resources.
- Visitation and physical distancing measures were updated.
- Added proper use and handling of personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Added universal PPE use to align with the interim infection prevention and control guidance for HCP.
- Added considerations for situations when it might be appropriate to keep the room door open for a resident with suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- A description was included about when it may be appropriate for a resident with a suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection to “shelter-in-place.”
- Added management of residents who had close contact with someone with SARS-CoV-2 infection which includes a description of quarantine recommendations including resident placement, recommended PPE, and duration of quarantine.
- Added addressing circumstances when quarantine is recommended for residents who leave the facility.
- Added responding to a newly identified SARS-CoV-2-infected HCP or resident.
- Added addressing quarantine and work exclusion considerations for asymptomatic residents and HCP who are within 90 days of resolved infection.
The complete updated guidance can be found here
Questions?
Contact:
Laura Hofmann, MSN, RN – Director of Clinical and Nursing Facility Regulatory Services
c: 425-231-4804