The California Department of Health has issued a new All Facilities Letter (AFL) for long-term care facilities, updating guidance on limiting the transmission of COVID-19. The AFL authorizes facilities to modify visitation policies in accordance with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance. The updated guidance includes expanded opportunities for indoor, in-room visitation and physical touch, as well as infection control measures for fully vaccinated residents and visitors. Facilities must adhere to the core principles of COVID-19 infection prevention at all times and ensure visits are conducted with adequate privacy. Any visitor entering the facility must be screened for fever and COVID-19 symptoms, wear appropriate facial covering, and perform hand hygiene. Failure to facilitate visitation without adequate reason may result in citation and enforcement actions.

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