The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a new Quality & Safety Memo providing guidance for infection control and prevention of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in nursing homes. The memo encourages nursing homes to monitor the CDC website for information and resources and to contact their local health department when needed. It emphasizes the importance of prompt detection, triage, and isolation of potentially infectious patients to prevent unnecessary exposure. Facilities should screen visitors for international travel, signs or symptoms of respiratory infection, and contact with someone with or under investigation for COVID-19. Staff should also be screened and not report to work if they have signs or symptoms of respiratory infection. Nursing homes should contact their local health department for guidance and review CDC resources for infection prevention and control recommendations.

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