Greetings!

This message includes:
  • a link to the new VDH guidance on closing a facility to new admissions or readmissions because of COVID-19;
  • information on how to request free Abbott BinaxNow test cards from VDH;
  • the latest COVID-19 update from the health commissioner; and
  • a link to another VDH webinar on COVID-19 vaccine safety.

Sincerely,

April Payne, MBA, LNHA
Vice President of Quality Improvement | Director of VCAL
Virginia Health Care Association | Virginia Center for Assisted Living 
Guidance on Closing a Facility to
New Admissions or Readmissions

VDH has developed guidance for Closing a Healthcare Facility to New Admissions or Readmissions during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Interim Guidance for Local Health Departments and Long-Term Care Facilities. This interim guidance (dated January 8, 2021) for local health departments and long term care facilities supersedes all previous guidance.
 
Per the guidance, the following criteria should be met when making a decision on accepting new admissions or readmissions:
  • The number of COVID-19 cases identified in the facility (staff and residents) is decreasing.
  • No evidence of widespread transmission of COVID-19 in the facility.
  • Facility is compliant with best practices for infection prevention and control.
  • Enough space for cohorting positive versus negative residents, and an observational unit for new admissions is available.
  • Adequate staffing, PPE, and other supplies.
  • The facility has a plan to manage new admissions and readmissions.

We encourage you to read the guidance in its entirety.
Abbott BinaxNOW Test Cards Available from VDH
 
VDH asked VHCA-VCAL to share that the agency has Abbott BinaxNOW rapid antigen test cards available for nursing home and assisted living facility providers.
 
You can submit a request for these testing cards to [email protected] and [email protected].
Health Commissioner COVID-19 Update

State Health Commissioner Dr. Norman Oliver has issued a COVID-19 update on January 11, 2021 with information on topics that include:
 
  1. Updates on COVID-19 Vaccine Prioritization for Phases 1b and 1c
  2. Submit your intent today to administer COVID-19 vaccine
  3. Enroll today to become a vaccination provider in Virginia’s Medical Reserve Corps
  4. FDA Communication: Genetic Variants of SARS-CoV-2 May Lead to False Negative Results with Molecular Tests for Detection of SARS-CoV-2
  5. FDA Safety Communication: Risk of False Results with the Curative SARS-CoV-2 Test for COVID-19
January 16 VDH Vaccine Safety Webinar

VDH will host another interdisciplinary expert panel webinar on COVID-19 vaccine safety on January 16 at 9:00 am. The event is open to all healthcare professionals.
 
January 16, 2021| 9:00 – 10:00 am
 
Dial In: (408) 418-9388
Access Code: 132 262 9727
Quick Links
www.vhca.org | (804) 353-9101 | Calendar of Events