CDC Updates Feb 2, 2022
WA State DOH is working on updating all of their guidance to align with CDC guidance.
Key Summary
Due to concerns about increased transmissibility of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant, this guidance is being updated to enhance protection for healthcare personnel, patients, and visitors and to address concerns about potential impacts on the healthcare system given a surge in SARS-CoV-2 infections. These updates will be refined as additional information becomes available to inform recommended actions.
- Empiric use of Transmission-Based Precautions (quarantine) is recommended for patients who have had close contact with someone with SARS-CoV-2 infection if they are not up to datewith all recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses.
o In general, quarantine is not needed for asymptomatic patients who are up to date with all recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses or who have recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infection in the prior 90 days; potential exceptions are described in the guidance. However, some of these patients should still be tested as described in the testing section of the guidance.
- A test-based strategy and (if available) consultation with infectious disease experts is now recommended for determining the duration of Transmission-Based Precautions for patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection who are moderately to severely immunocompromised.
- Included additional examples when universal respirator use could be considered
- Additional updates that will have implications for healthcare facilities were made in the following guidance documents:
o Strategies to Mitigate Healthcare Personnel Staffing Shortages | CDC
Key Summary
Due to concerns about increased transmissibility of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant, this guidance is being updated to enhance protection for healthcare personnel, residents, and visitors and to address concerns about potential impacts on the healthcare system given a surge in SARS-CoV-2 infections. These updates will be refined as additional information becomes available to inform recommended actions.
- Empiric use of Transmission-Based Precautions (quarantine) is recommended for residents who are newly admitted to the facility and for residents who have had close contact with someone with SARS-CoV-2 infection if they are not up to datewith all recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses.
o In general, quarantine is not needed for asymptomatic residents who are up to date with all COVID-19 vaccine doses or who have recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infection in the prior 90 days; potential exceptions are described in the guidance. However, some of these residents should still be tested as described in the testing section of the guidance.
- Additional updates that will have implications for nursing homes were made in the following guidance documents:
o Infection Control: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) | CDC
o Strategies to Mitigate Healthcare Personnel Staffing Shortages | CDC
Questions?
Contact:
Laura Hofmann, MSN, RN – Director of Clinical and Nursing Facility Regulatory Services
8c: 425-231-4804