Updated best practices for visitation related to COVID-19 as a result of the State PHO 9/15/22 and rescission of the statewide visitation waiver. It updates best practices related to screening protocols for visitors and related to masking for residents who have had close contact with an individual with a COVID-19 infection. Visitors must continue to comply with the CDPH Masking Guidance, attached, while visiting in indoor settings and continue to maintain all current infection prevention practices.

Updated Screening Protocols

Screening for COVID-19 signs, symptoms, and exposure is now recommended and may be conducted through passive screening measures which include but are not limited to:

· Posting signs at facility entrances reminding visitors to self-screen for COVID-19. Signage should also remind visitors not to visit if they are experiencing symptoms/not feeling well or have been exposed to COVID-19.

· Educating visitors on how to self-screen prior to entry into the facility.

o Send information to resident representatives and visitors with COVID-19 self-screening information, including the symptoms for COVID-19

It is no longer required to designate a staff member to ask all individuals entering the facility if they have had COVID-19 symptoms within the last 24 hours and whether anyone in their home has COVID-19 symptoms or tested positive.

Continue to exclude any visitors showing COVID-19 symptoms. Discard items that cannot be disinfected or have the symptomatic individual take their items with them.

Updated Masking and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• A well-fitting face mask is required for visitors at all times in indoor settings, regardless of vaccination status per CDPH Masking Guidance. Masks are encouraged for visitors while outdoors where they are around others, including the resident they are visiting. Surgical masks, double masks, or higher-level respirators with a good fit are highly recommended.

• Residents are not required to wear a face mask while at the facility, but staff should encourage residents to wear a face mask in indoor communal settings, regardless of their vaccination status. Also encourage unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated residents to wear a face mask when outdoors and around others.

· Residents who have been in close contact with someone with COVID19, regardless of vaccination status, should wear a face mask when outside their room.

• For residents in isolation, provide and require the visitor to wear PPE recommended for facility staff as specified in PIN 22-15.1-ASC. A visitor of a resident under isolation does not need N95 respirator fit testing, but should be instructed on how to perform a seal check.

Hand Hygiene and Respiratory Etiquette

• Designate handwashing stations for visitors or provide alcohol-based hand sanitizer for visitor use

• Have visitors wash hands or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer upon entering the facility

• Encourage respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette (e.g., covering mouth and nose with a disposable tissue when coughing or sneezing) in the event an individual develops respiratory symptoms while visiting the facility

Ventilation and Air Quality

• Increase ventilation or circulation of fresh air as much as possible.

o Do not open windows and doors if doing so poses a safety or health risk

Cleaning and Disinfection

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in the facility often and visitation areas after each visit.

• Staff should use an EPA-registered disinfectant from List N: when wiping down high-touch surfaces before leaving the room.

Communal Dining

• Visitors shall be allowed to remove their face mask while actively eating or drinking and must wear a well-fitting face mask while indoors at all other times

• Staff should clean and disinfect surfaces after each visit in the communal dining area.

Educating Visitors

• Send letters or emails to families and post signs at entrances reminding them of the importance of remaining up to date with all recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses.

• Post signage at entrances and throughout the facility outlining proper mask wearing and hand hygiene.

• Educate visitors on how to monitor themselves for COVID-19 symptoms.

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