CDC gave a major make-over to long-term care guidance on March 29. The guidance “Preparing for COVID-19 in Nursing Homes,” has been renamed “Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations to Prevent SARS-CoV-2 Spread in Nursing Homes” and includes two prior documents, “Responding to COVID-19 in Nursing Homes” and “Performing Facility-wide SARS-CoV-2 Testing in Nursing Homes” which were merged with this guidance. This guidance has been updated and organized according to Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) practices that should remain in place whether or not nursing homes are experiencing outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2.
Key points from this updated guidance:
- Older adults living in congregate settings are at high risk of being affected by respiratory and other pathogens, such as SARS-CoV-2.
- A strong infection prevention and control (IPC) program is critical to protect both residents and healthcare personnel (HCP).
- Even as nursing homes resume normal practices and begin relaxing restrictions, nursing homes must sustain core IPC practices and remain vigilant for SARS-CoV-2 infection among residents and HCP in order to prevent spread and protect residents and HCP from severe infections, hospitalizations, and death.
- These recommendations supplement CDC’s Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Healthcare Personnel During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic and are specific for nursing homes, including skilled nursing facilities, but may also apply to other long-term care and residential settings.
