The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued guidance for long-term care facilities during the coronavirus outbreak. These safety measures include:
Keeping COVID-19 at bay: Cancel all field trips and don’t allow visitors, volunteers, or non-essential healthcare workers to enter the facility. Actively screen staff, vendors, and anyone else who enters the premises.
Identifying infections early: In conjunction with screenings, isolate symptomatic residents and notify state and local health departments of all suspected or confirmed coronavirus cases.
Stemming the spread of the virus: Cancel group activities and communal dining, enforce social distancing, and require residents to wear a cloth face mask outside of their room.
Maintaining PPE supply: If in danger of running out of personal protective equipment (PPE), reach out to health departments for supplies.
Managing severe infections: Designate a place to care for residents with suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19. Monitor ill residents at least three times a day to identify those who may require more intensive care.