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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Now Available: ICD-10-CM Code Update Fileshttps://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Now-Available-ICD-10-CM-Code-Update-Files.aspxNow Available: ICD-10-CM Code Update Files2/20/2025 5:00:00 AM<p><span style="font-size:11pt;">T</span><span style="font-size:11pt;">he Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) posted the </span><a href="https://ftp.cdc.gov/pub/Health_Statistics/NCHS/Publications/ICD10CM/2025-Update/" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank" style="font-size:11pt;">updated ICD-10-CM code files</a><span style="font-size:11pt;"> to address revisions to the </span><em style="font-size:11pt;">ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting</em><span style="font-size:11pt;"> and other typographical errors. These updates are effective April 1, 2025. The CDC has announced there are no new ICD-10-CM codes effective April 1, 2025. </span></p><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">While there are no new ICD-10-CM codes, there is a significant update to the guidelines for coding COVID-19. The guidelines are a set of rules that have been developed to accompany and complement the official conventions and instructions provided within the ICD-10-CM itself. Adherence to these guidelines when assigning ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes is required under the </span><a href="https://www.cms.gov/priorities/key-initiatives/burden-reduction/administrative-simplification/hipaa" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank" style="font-size:11pt;">Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)</a><span style="font-size:11pt;">. </span></div><div><br></div><div>The following changes are noted in the guidelines for coding confirmed cases of COVID-19, effective April 1, 2025: </div><div><ul><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">Code only a confirmed dia</span><span style="font-size:11pt;">gnosis of the COVID-19 (U07.1) as documented by the provider (physician or other qualified health care practitioner legally accountable for establishing the patient's diagnosis). The current guidance that documentation of a positive test is a confirmed diagnosis will no longer be in effect beginning April 1. </span></li><li><span style="font-size:11pt;">For asymptomatic residents who test positive for COVID-19, query the medical provider as to whether or not the resident has COVID-19. The guidance notes that false positives are possible, and it is the medical provider’s responsibility to confirm and document a diagnosis. </span></li></ul></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">This will result in a significant change in which residents will have the code U07.1 added to their medical records beginning April 1, 2025. These changes, however, do not impact NHSN reporting at this time. We will continue to monitor for any changes to NHSN reporting in the future and will provide updates if and when appropriate. Please send any questions to <a href="mailto:regulatory@ahca.org" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">regulatory@ahca.org</a>. </span></div><p>​</p>The CDC posted the updated ICD-10-CM code files to address revisions to the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting and other typographical errors.
CDC Updates 2025 Immunization Schedule With New Recommendations for Older Adultshttps://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/CDC-Updates-2025-Immunization-Schedule-With-New-Recommendations-for-Older-Adults.aspxCDC Updates 2025 Immunization Schedule With New Recommendations for Older Adults1/21/2025 5:00:00 AM​<span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;">​On January 16, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued two </span><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" style="font-size:11pt;"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink"> MMWR</span></span></a><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;">  articles describing changes in the 2025 immunization schedule for children, adolescents and adults. Changes related to older adults include new and updated recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines and pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV). These changes include:</span><span data-ccp-props="{}" style="font-size:11pt;"> </span><div><br><div><ul role="list"><li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">The 2025 schedule includes a recommendation lowering the age-based requirement for pneumococcal vaccination from 65 to 50 years old.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li></ul></div><div><ul role="list"><li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">In addition to previously recommended 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccination:</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li></ul></div><div><ul role="list"><li data-leveltext="o" data-font="Courier New" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":1440,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Courier New","469769242":[9675],"469777803":"left","469777804":"o","469777815":"multilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="2" role="listitem"><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">ACIP recommends a second dose of the 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine for adults aged 65 years and older, given six months apart (minimum interval: two months).</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li></ul></div><div><ul role="list"><li data-leveltext="o" data-font="Courier New" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":1440,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Courier New","469769242":[9675],"469777803":"left","469777804":"o","469777815":"multilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="2" role="listitem"><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">ACIP recommends a second dose of the 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine for people aged 6 months to 64 years who are moderately or severely immunocompromised and may consider a third dose under shared decision-making with their health care providers.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li></ul></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">For more information, please visit the CDC's ​website:</span><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/imz-schedules/changes-guidance.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"> CDC Immunization Schedule Changes</span></span></a><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></div></div>CDC issued two  MMWR  articles describing changes in the 2025 immunization schedule for children, adolescents and adults.
Are Your New Admissions Vaccinated?https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Are-Your-New-Admissions-Vaccinated-.aspxAre Your New Admissions Vaccinated?1/14/2025 5:00:00 AM​<span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;">Vaccination against influenza (flu), COVID-19, and RSV reduces the likelihood of serious illness, hospitalization, or even death in long term care residents. LTC providers play an important role in protecting their residents by promoting vaccination against these viruses. And while influenza and COVID-19 vaccine are ideally administered in the fall, there is no wrong time to get vaccinated against these viruses. </span><div><span data-ccp-props="{}" style="font-size:11pt;"> </span><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">This blog post serves as a reminder of the importance of promoting vaccination against respiratory viruses for newly admitted residents, offering actionable insights to strengthen your approach to infection prevention efforts.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></div><div><span data-ccp-props="{}"><br></span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><strong>Why is Vaccination Crucial for New Admissions?</strong></span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">Residents of nursing homes are at an increased risk of severe illness from respiratory infections due to factors such as age and underlying health conditions. Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, particularly when new residents may not yet have immunity to certain viruses circulating in the community or within the facility itself.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></div><div><span data-ccp-props="{}"><br></span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">By prioritizing vaccination for new admissions, you not only protect the health of individual residents but also contribute to the overall safety and well-being of your facility. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"></span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><strong>Best Practices for Promoting Vaccination in New Admissions:</strong></span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><strong></strong></span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></div><div><ol role="list" start="1"><li data-leveltext="%1." data-font="Arial" data-listid="3" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":0,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[65533,0],"469777803":"left","469777804":"%1.","469777815":"multilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><strong>Incorporate Vaccination into Admission Protocols</strong></span><strong> </strong><br><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">When new residents are admitted, ensure that vaccination is part of the standard intake procedure. This means reviewing their vaccination history, checking for any necessary vaccines, and administering them as soon as possible.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li></ol></div><div><ol role="list" start="2"><li data-leveltext="%1." data-font="Arial" data-listid="3" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":0,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[65533,0],"469777803":"left","469777804":"%1.","469777815":"multilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><strong>Educate Residents and Families</strong></span><strong> </strong><br><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">Many families may not fully understand the importance of vaccinations, especially when it comes to respiratory viruses. Provide clear and concise information about the benefits of vaccination and how it protects not only the individual but the entire community within your nursing home. Check out the AHCA/NCAL </span><a href="/Quality/Pages/GetVaccinated.aspx" 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">#GetVaccinated </span><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">website</span></span></a><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"> for resources to support these conversations.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li></ol></div><div><ol role="list" start="3"><li data-leveltext="%1." data-font="Arial" data-listid="3" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":0,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[65533,0],"469777803":"left","469777804":"%1.","469777815":"multilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><strong>Ensure Accessibility</strong></span> <br><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">Make the vaccination process as easy as possible. This could involve offering vaccines on-site or coordinating with local health providers for timely administration.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li></ol></div><div><ol role="list" start="4"><li data-leveltext="%1." data-font="Arial" data-listid="3" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":0,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[65533,0],"469777803":"left","469777804":"%1.","469777815":"multilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><strong>Document and Follow-Up</strong></span><strong> </strong><br><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">Keep accurate records of vaccinations administered and follow up with residents who may have missed their vaccines at the time of admission. Regularly review resident records to ensure they stay up-to-date on necessary immunizations.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li></ol></div><div><ol role="list" start="5"><li data-leveltext="%1." data-font="Arial" data-listid="3" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":0,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[65533,0],"469777803":"left","469777804":"%1.","469777815":"multilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="5" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><strong>Promote a Culture of Prevention</strong></span><strong> </strong><br><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">Foster an environment where vaccination and disease prevention are seen as routine, essential parts of resident care. This will not only increase vaccination rates but also contribute to a culture of health and well-being within your facility.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li></ol></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US"><strong>Conclusion: A Commitment to Safety</strong></span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">Promoting vaccination for new admissions is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses in your nursing home. This not only protects their health but also safeguards the larger community of residents and staff. By making vaccination a top priority during the admission process, you’re taking a crucial step in the fight against respiratory illnesses and ensuring your facility remains a safe haven for all who call it home.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></div><div><span data-ccp-props="{}"><br></span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">Visit the </span><a href="/Quality/Pages/GetVaccinated.aspx" 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">#GetVaccinated website ​</span></span></a><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">for the latest resources and news on vaccines. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></div></div>This blog post serves as a reminder of the importance of promoting vaccination against respiratory viruses for newly admitted residents
2025 Paxlovid U.S. Government Patient Assistance Programhttps://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/2025-Paxlovid-U-S--Government-Patient-Assistance-Program.aspx2025 Paxlovid U.S. Government Patient Assistance Program1/8/2025 5:00:00 AM<p></p><div>Updates have been made to the U.S. Government Patient Assistance Program (USG PAP) for Paxlovid to ensure continued access to this COVID-19 treatment.  </div><div><br></div><div>Currently, Medicare patients may access Paxlovid via a 100 percent rebate program or directly <a href="https://paxlovid.iassist.com/" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">enrolling​</a> in the USG PAP. Starting on March 1, 2025, Medicare patients who are under-insured and those who do not have prescription coverage and cannot afford the treatment may be eligible to access Paxlovid at no cost.  </div><div><br></div><div>Patients who are covered under Medicaid, Tricare, or Veterans Affairs Community Care Network should check with their plans for coverage information. If they have high co-pays and are not able to afford Paxlovid, they too may be eligible to enroll for the USG PAP.  </div><div><br></div><div>The <a href="https://www.paxlovid.com/usg-terms-and-conditions" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">USG PAP​</a> continues to be an avenue through with eligible individuals can access Paxlovid at no cost.  <br></div><p>​</p>Updates have been made to the U.S. Government Patient Assistance Program for Paxlovid to ensure continued access to this COVID-19 treatment.

​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)

 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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