Even after the expiration of the federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) on May 11, 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided guidance to ensure the health and safety of patients, staff, and visitors. This guidance applies to all U.S. settings where healthcare is delivered, including nursing homes and home health.
This interim guidance has been updated based on currently available information about COVID-19 and the current situation in the United States. Updates were made to reflect the high levels of vaccine-and infection-induced immunity and the availability of effective treatments and prevention tools. This guidance provides a framework for facilities to implement select infection prevention and control practices (e.g., universal source control) based on their individual circumstances (e.g., levels of respiratory virus transmission in the community).
CDC Recommendations: (Source: Infection Control: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) | CDC
By adhering to and/or cooperating with these practices, you are helping us to keep our residents, patients, and staff safe.
Source control refers to use of respirators or well-fitting facemasks or cloth masks to cover a person’s mouth and nose to prevent spread of respiratory secretions when they are breathing, talking, sneezing, or coughing. Masks and respirators also offer varying levels of protection to the wearer. Further information about types of masks and respirators, including those that meet standards and the degree of protection offered to the wearer, is available at: Masks and Respirators. People, particularly those at high risk for severe illness, should wear the most protective mask or respirator they can that fits well and that they will wear consistently.
Even when our facility does not require masking for source control, we will allow individuals to use a mask or respirator based on personal preference, informed by their perceived level of risk for infection based on their recent activities (e.g., attending crowded indoor gatherings with poor ventilation) and their potential for developing severe disease if they are exposed.
Infection Control: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) | CDC
Covid-19 Vaccination: Clinical Guidance for COVID-19 Vaccination | CDC