Clarifications on CDC Respiratory Guidance
On March 7th, the NYSDOH put out a Health Advisory that referenced the CDC’s updated guidance on respiratory guidance. However, ACFs and ALs, as they are not considered “health care settings” (like nursing homes are) and therefore, ACFs and ALs SHOULD follow the new guidance from the CDC.
ACFs and ALs should note that the updated CDC guidance no longer recommends isolating for 5 days but advises staying home for at least 24 hours have passed since fever resolution and symptoms have improved. However, it acknowledges the ongoing risk of COVID-19 and other respiratory virus transmission beyond this period. Therefore, the guidance recommends implementing additional interventions, such as masking, testing, distancing, improving air quality, hygiene practices, and continued monitoring, for an additional five days to mitigate disease spread during later stages of illness. This is particularly crucial for safeguarding individuals at higher risk of severe illness. Additionally, the guidance highlights that certain individuals, particularly those with compromised immune systems, may remain infectious with COVID-19, influenza, or RSV for an extended duration.
The NYSDOH continues to instruct visiting or shared personnel, such as those from home care and hospice agencies who are delivering services in ACF and AL settings, to adhere to health care guidelines.
NYSHFA | NYSCAL CONTACTS:
Christina Audi, MHA, LNHA
Executive Director, NYSCAL
caudi@nyshfa-nyscal.org
518-462-4800 x 13
