We are over a year out from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and we’ve made many substantial advances in vaccines, treatments and protocols. This past year has taught us a lot about resilience, courage and hope in the midst of difficult challenges. We have also learned how to be acutely sensitive towards our most vulnerable citizens.
There are a variety of important COVID-19 policy changes and updates, and things are looking a lot different than they did even six months ago. Many of the most abrupt and difficult changes have occurred in nursing homes and other long-term care settings which care for some of our most vulnerable population. The caregivers in these settings have had to quickly adapt to save lives.
Take a look through the resources below to get the latest, most important COVID-19 updates!
CMS Nursing Home Visitation- COVID-19 (Revised)
CMS
In order to avoid mental and physical health decline in lonely residents, CMS has updated its visitation policy for nursing homes. Visitors are now encouraged to visit if they have passed a screening exam including temperature checks, symptom checks, and infection prevention practices.
CMS Updates Nursing Home Guidance with Revised Visitation Recommendations
CMS
Starting March 10, 2021, CMS recommends that indoor visitation be allowed as long as any COVID-19 outbreaks are fully contained within one restricted area of the facility. CMS advises that compassionate care, or end-of-life visits, be allowed for family members regardless.
Frequently Asked Questions About COVID-19 Vaccination in Long-Term Care Facilities
CDC
By ensuring long-term care residents get the vaccine quickly, we can help save the lives of those most at-risk for serious complications. The CDC provides a list of credible research guides to help ease the fear of vaccination. In general, side effects were fewer and less severe for ages 55 and older.
Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People
CDC
Once past the two-week period after final vaccination, fully vaccinated individuals can safely gather with other fully vaccinated people indoors without masks or physical distancing and can visit with those unvaccinated (but low risk) without masks on. However, for now, fully vaccinated individuals are still encouraged to wear a mask and maintain social distance when in public spaces.
