Coronavirus

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The COVID-19 pandemic took an enormous toll on the long term care community. But thanks to lifesaving vaccines, therapeutic treatments, and our dedicated providers, we are better able to manage COVID to help protect our residents and staff. AHCA/NCAL continues to work with the federal government and public health officials to assist long term care providers with guidance and resources to curb the spread of COVID-19. ​


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How You Can Help Prevent the Spread of COVID-19

 Providers
Please note tha​t skilled nursing providers should consult the guidance put forth by CMS and the CDC, and assisted living communities should consult CDC guidance. Providers should also check their local and state health departments for updates and potentially stricter guidance, but these are general, national prevention and containment tips:
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Infection Control: Maintain i​nfection control policies and procedures as recommended by CDC.
 
Staff: Stay up to date on your COVID vaccinations! Regularly wash your hands and use PPE where appropriate. Stay home if you're sick.​ ​
 
Monitor: Keep an eye on rates of COVID in your surrounding community to determine the appropriate procedures for testing, PPE use, visitations, and other infection control measures.
 
PPE: Review federal, state and CDC guidance on appropriate use of masks, gowns, gloves, etc.​
 
Communicate: Report suspected or confirmed cases to public health officials. Keep residents, families and staff informed.
 
Engagement: Follow government guidelines for safe in-person visitations.


If a staff member shows symptoms of COVID-19: Have them go home immediately. 

If a resident shows symptoms of ​COVID-19​: Implement precautions based off CDC guidance, and contact the local health department. ​​

 Families

Coronavirus (COVID-19) poses a serious threat to older adults (especially 80 years old and older) and those with underlying health conditions. But thanks to vaccines, treatments, infection control procedures, and less severe strains of the virus, we are better able to manage COVID-19.

Here's how you can help: 

  • Stay in Touch: Make sure your loved one's facility has your emergency contact information. The facility may need to communicate with you about any developments regarding your loved one or about the facility as a whole.
    • Many long term care facilities are only permitted to share information about a resident to a designated health representative. Work together as a family unit to share information to keep everyone informed.​

  • Visiting the Facility: When visiting your loved one, coordinate with the staff ahead of time. 
    • Upon arrival, they may ask you some questions, take your temperature, have you take a COVID test, and/or make sure you're wearing proper protective equipment (like a mask) when you arrive. This is to make sure you do not pose as a potential risk to residents and staff.  
    • If you are asked to not enter the building, please understand this is for the safety of your loved one and everyone else in the building. Nursing homes and assisted living communities are following direction from the government to prevent the spread of this virus.
    • Please wash your hands or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer immediately upon entering and throughout your visit. Wear a mask and any other protective equipment as directed by the facility.

  • #GetVaccinated: Do your part to help slow the spread of COVID-19. High community spread is linked to outbreaks in nursing homes. Stay up to date on your COVID vaccinations. ​

 Residents
​Coronavirus (COVID-19) poses a serious threat to older adults (especially 80 years old and older) and those with underlying health conditions. But thanks to vaccines, treatments, infection control procedures, and less severe strains of the virus, we are better able to manage COVID-19.   

Here's how you can help reduce your risk: 

  • #GetVaccinated: Stay up to date on your COVID vaccinations. Your facility can provide more specific information about how they can help you get vaccinated. 
  • Take Precautions: Follow everyday preventive actions such as: 
    • Washing your hands or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers 
    • Covering your cough and sneezes 
    • Wearing a mask over your nose and mouth, when necessary  
  • Symptoms? Alert Staff: If you begin to experience difficulty breathing, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, tell a staff member immediately.​

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Giving Thanks and Staying Vigilanthttps://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Giving-Thanks-and-Staying-Vigilant.aspxGiving Thanks and Staying Vigilant11/21/2023 5:00:00 AMThis Thanksgiving, we extend our heartfelt thank you to our members who have been unwavering in their commitment to the well-being of the residents and staff.<div>​<br>In the spirit of unity and vigilance, AHCA/NCAL would like to remind providers about resources to support their infection prevention and control efforts this respiratory season.<br><br><ul><li><a href="/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Free-COVID-19-Tests-Still-Available-from-HHS.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank">Free COVID-19 Tests Still Available from HHS</a><br></li><li><a href="/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/New-Respiratory-Virus-Season-Resources-Available-from-the-CDC.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank">New Respiratory Virus Season Resources Available from the CDC​</a><br></li><li><a href="/Quality/Pages/GetVaccinated.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank">#GetVaccinated Toolkit</a></li></ul><div><br></div>Let us continue to stand united in our commitment to health, safety, and the well-being of our communities. </div><div><br></div><div>Wishing you a joyous and safe holiday season.​<br><br></div>
Free COVID-19 Tests Still Available from HHShttps://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Free-COVID-19-Tests-Still-Available-from-HHS.aspxFree COVID-19 Tests Still Available from HHS11/20/2023 5:00:00 AM​<span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;">As the spread of respiratory viruses increases this fall/winter, AHCA/NCAL is reminding providers about the availability of free COVID-19 tests through the department of Health and Human Services (HHS)</span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;"> Abbott BinaxNOW Test Kit Program.</span><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;"> Skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities continue to receive or are eligible to receive free monthly shipments of Abbott BinaxNOW over the counter (OTC) COVID-19 test kits. Facilities/communities must have an active CLIA waiver to be eligible to participate in this program.  </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="font-size:11pt;"> </span><div><br><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" style="font-size:11pt;"></span><div><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">Shipments can be started and stopped, and test quantities can be increased or decreased by emailing </span><a href="mailto:TDX@hhs.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">TDX@hhs.gov</span></span></a><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">. The email must include: </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></div><div><ul role="list"><li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559684":-2,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">Name of the facility </span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":259}"> </span></li><li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559684":-2,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">Facility address  </span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":259}"> </span></li><li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559684":-2,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">CLIA waiver number </span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":259}"> </span></li><li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559684":-2,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">Request (stop, start, increase, decrease)</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":259}"> </span></li></ul></div><div><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"></span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">Please note, it may take a week or two to update the shipping information.  </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"></span> <br><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">CDC guidance requires anyone with even mild symptoms of COVID-19 to be tested. More information and detailed guidance can be found on CDC’s </span><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/infection-control-recommendations.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Healthcare Personnel.</span></span></a><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">  </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></div><div><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"><br></span></div><div><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">If you have an influx of test kits and aren’t sure how to use them, keep in mind that since the tests are OTC, you can provide them to visitors, staff, or residents for their personal use as well. The exact expiration dates for the tests can be found on the </span><a href="https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/home-otc-covid-19-diagnostic-tests?cm_ven=ExactTarget&cm_cat=Update+on+HHS%e2%80%99+Abbott+BinaxNOW+Test+Kit+Program&cm_pla=Marks+Memos+2023+Marketing+List&cm_ite=FDA+website&cm_lm=1341836736&cm_ainfo=&&&&&" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">FDA</span><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink"> website</span></span></a><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">.   </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"></span> <br><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">For questions related to the HHS BinaxNOW distribution Program, please email </span><a href="mailto:TDX@hhs.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">TDX@hhs.​gov</span></span></a><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span></div><br><br><br><br></div>
New Resources Available to Enhance Vaccination Efforts in Long Term Care https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/New-Resources-Available-to-Enhance-Vaccination-Efforts-in-Long-Term-Care-.aspxNew Resources Available to Enhance Vaccination Efforts in Long Term Care 11/7/2023 5:00:00 AMIn the ever-evolving landscape of long term care, staying informed and equipped with the latest resources is paramount for providers. <br><br>AHCA/NCAL is happy to introduce new resources available on the <a href="/Quality/Pages/GetVaccinated.aspx?cm_ven=ExactTarget&cm_cat=The+2023+%23GetVaccinated+Provider+Toolkit+is+Now+Available&cm_pla=Marks+Memos+2023+Marketing+List&cm_ite=https%3a//www.ahcancal.org/Quality/Pages/GetVaccinated.aspx&cm_lm=1232373369&cm_ainfo=&&&&&" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank">#GetVaccinated we​bsite</a>, including the latest “Frequently Asked Questions," “Vaccine Co-Administration in Long Term Care," and “Offering and Documenting Vaccines in Long Term Care."<br><br><strong>Addressing a Crucial Issue</strong> <br>Long term care residents face heightened susceptibility to fall and winter viruses. To counter this, the federal government recommends that residents receive vaccinations against COVID-19, Influenza, and RSV when indicated. This recommendation has brought to the forefront the challenge of co-administering these vaccines effectively. <br><br><strong>Scientific Backing</strong> <br>The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), composed of medical and public health experts, plays a pivotal role in advising the CDC. All three vaccines for – RSV, Influenza, and COVID-19 – are FDA-approved and recommended by ACIP. <br><br>Recent research confirms that co-administering the COVID-19 vaccine with the seasonal influenza vaccine does not result in increased reactions or reduced immune response.<br><br>These new resources in the #GetVaccinated toolkit empower long term care providers to make informed decisions and provide the best care possible.<div> <br><div style="text-align:center;"><span class="ms-rteFontSize-3"> </span><a href="/Quality/Pages/GetVaccinated.aspx?cm_ven=ExactTarget&cm_cat=The+2023+%23GetVaccinated+Provider+Toolkit+is+Now+Available&cm_pla=Marks+Memos+2023+Marketing+List&cm_ite=https%3a//www.ahcancal.org/Quality/Pages/GetVaccinated.aspx&cm_lm=1232373369&cm_ainfo=&&&&&" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank"><span class="ms-rteFontSize-3"><strong>Access the latest #GetVaccinated resources and toolkit now</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:17.3333px;"><b>!</b></span></div><br><strong>The National Infection Prevention Forum</strong> <br>If you're dedicated to enhancing infection prevention in long term care, consider <a href="/Quality/Clinical-Practice/Pages/default.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank">joining the National Infection Prevention Forum</a>. This platform provides a supportive community, invaluable resources, and opportunities for collaboration. Together, providers can raise the bar in infection prevention and continue to deliver top-tier long term care. Learn more and <a href="/Quality/Clinical-Practice/Pages/default.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank" style="font-size:14.6667px;">join the National Infection Prevention Forum</a><span style="color:#555555;font-size:14.6667px;background-color:#ffffff;">. </span><br><br><br></div>
COVID-19 Vaccine Up-To-Date Definition Updatehttps://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/COVID-19-Vaccine-Up-To-Date-Definition-Update.aspxCOVID-19 Vaccine Up-To-Date Definition Update10/25/2023 4:00:00 AM<div>​​The approval of the <a href="/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/New-COVID-19-Vaccine-Approved-for-Use.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank">new COVID-19 vaccines for 2023-2024</a> triggered a change in the National Health and Safety Network’s (NHSN) <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nhsn/pdfs/covid19/quickreferenceguide-uptodateguidance-508.pdf" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank">surveillance definition of “up-to-date”</a> on COVID-19 vaccine to align with the new vaccine recommendations.<span style="font-size:11pt;">  </span></div><div><br></div><div><strong>Per NHSN definition, as of September 25, 2023, individuals are considered “up-to-date” with their COVID-19 vaccines if they meet one of the following criteria:  </strong><br></div><div><ol><li><strong>Received a 2023-2024 updated COVID-19 vaccine OR </strong><br></li><li><strong>Received a bivalent* COVID-19 vaccine within the last two months.</strong><br> <br></li></ol></div><div><span style="color:#555555;font-size:14.6667px;background-color:#ffffff;"><em>​*Note that the bivalent vaccines are no longer authorized as of 9/12/2023.</em></span><br></div><div><br></div><div><strong>Please review the latest </strong><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nhsn/pdfs/ltc/covidvax/Long-term-Care-Up-to-Date-Vaccination-Status-Surveillance-Definition-Change-for-COVID-September-2023.pdf" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank"><strong>training​</strong></a><strong> for reporting to </strong><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nhsn/ltc/weekly-covid-vac/index.html#anchor_21689" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="["60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"]" target="_blank"><strong>NHSN Healthcare Personnel and Resident Weekly LTCF COVID-19 Vaccination Modules</strong></a><strong> to ensure your facility is reporting accordingly. </strong><br></div>​The approval of the new COVID-19 vaccines for 2023-2024 triggered a change in the NHSN surveillance definition of “up-to-date” on COVID-19 vaccine to align with the new vaccine recommendations.

​Guidance & Resources

​By Source


 AHCA/NCAL
Guidance
Emergency Preparedness
Confirmed Cases
Residents

 CDC
Overview of COVID-19
Health Care Facility Resources
Reporting Resources
Communication Resources

 CMS

 Other Federal Agencies
  • htmlfas fa-link
     
    AHRQ's Nursing Home COVID-19 Action Network
    The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) has compiled resources that address staff and resident well-being and safe operations in nursing homes and long term care facilities.
  • about-list-n-disinfectants-coronavirus-covid-19-0#file-534797fas fa-link
     
    EPA: Registered Disinfectant Products
    Coronaviruses are enveloped viruses, meaning they are one of the easiest types of viruses to kill with the appropriate disinfectant product.
  • standardsfas fa-link
     
    Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Standards for COVID-19
    OSHA recordkeeping requirements at 29 CFR Part 1904 mandate covered employers record certain work-related injuries and illnesses on their OSHA 300 log. While 29 CFR 1904.5(b)(2)(viii) exempts recording of the common cold and flu, COVID-19 is a recordable illness when a worker is infected on the job.

 State & Local

​​Guidance & Resources

​By Topic

 Notifications & Reporting Cases
NHSN Reporting
Resources
Regulatory Requirements

 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Using and Conserving PPE
Acquiring PPE

 Public Health Emergency (PHE) Unwinding | May 11, 2023
Medicaid and Medicare
Telehealth

 Testing
Regulatory Requirements
Rapid Point-of-Care Antigen Tests

 Training Programs

 Treatments

 Vaccines
Education and Promotion
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    #GetVaccinated
    AHCA/NCAL's campaign funded in part by a cooperative agreement with the CDC
Vaccines for Long Term Care

 Workforce
OSHA
General Resources
Emotional PPE Project

 Contacts
Provider/General​ Inquires

COVID19@ahca.org 

Press Inquires

ahcapressoffice@ahca.org 

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