1. LTC Webinar 5/20/2021
The Department of Health and Human Services hosted a webinar on Thursday, May 20th, 10:00 am–11:00 am. This webinar was designed for the residential provider community (Nursing Homes, Adult Care Homes, Family Care Homes, Residential Hospice Providers and Mental Health Residential Treatment Facilities) and focused on continuing efforts regarding staff vaccination. Our speakers covered:
- Current trends in staff vaccination
- Vaccine availability and support opportunities
- Current challenges with vaccination in LTC staff
- Success stories in increasing staff vaccination rates
- Upcoming efforts to promote vaccination
For those who were not able to attend the live session of the webinar on 5/20. Below are the video and audio recordings as well as the presentation used for the webinar.
Audio recording
Video recording
LTC Webinar 5/20 Presentation
2. Updated CDC Guidance for the Fully Vaccinated
Infection Prevention clarification regarding CDC’s updated guidance for fully vaccinated people:
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CDC updated the Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People (May 13) to advise that fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask or physically distance, except where required by federal, state, local, or tribal laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.
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The updated guidance on masking is directed towards the general community and does not apply to healthcare or long-term care settings, such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, inpatient rehab facilities, or group homes.
- Staff, patients, residents, and visitors should continue to wear masks and appropriate PPE as recommended in these settings.
- There has been no change in recommendations regarding testing and quarantine following prolonged close contact with someone infected with SARS-CoV-2 for healthcare personnel, patients, and residents.
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For asymptomatic staff with a higher-risk exposure and patients or residents with prolonged close contact with someone with SARS-CoV-2 infection, testing is recommended immediately and 5-7 days after exposure, regardless of vaccination status.
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Fully vaccinated staff with higher-risk exposures who are asymptomatic do not need to be restricted from work for 14 days following their exposure. Work restrictions for fully vaccinated staff with higher-risk exposures should still be considered for staff who have underlying immunocompromising conditions.
- Fully vaccinated inpatients and residents in healthcare settings should continue to quarantine following prolonged close contact with someone with SARS-CoV-2 infection.
