Core Principles of COVID-19 Prevention
- Screening of all who enter the facility for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 (e.g. temperature checks, questions or observations about signs and symptoms), and denial of entry of anyone showing signs and/or symptoms.
- Hand hygiene (use of alcohol-based hand rub is preferred).
- Face covering or mask (covering mouth and nose).
- No food or drink is allowed due to the need to remain masked.
- Social distancing at least six feet between persons.
- Instructional signage throughout the facility and proper visitor education on COVID-19 signs and symptoms, infection control precautions, other applicable facility practices (e.g., use of face covering or mask, specified entries, exits and routes to designated areas, hand hygiene).
- Cleaning and disinfecting high frequencey touched surfaces in the faciity often, and designated visitation areas after each visit.
- Appropriate staff use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
- Effective cohorting of residents (e.g. separate areas dedicated to COVID-19 care).
- Staff testing conducted as required.
- Nursing homes may also consider scheduling visits, limiting the number of visitors in the nursing home at any given time, and limiting the length of visits.