The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued a new All Facilities Letter (AFL) requiring skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) to implement processes for verifying the vaccination status of all healthcare personnel (HCP) and tracking documentation of twice-weekly SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic screening testing for unvaccinated exempt HCP and booster-eligible HCP who have not yet received their booster. The AFL also requires HCP to be up to date with vaccinations and receive boosters by February 1, 2022, unless exempt. Facilities must begin testing booster-eligible HCP who have not yet received their booster by December 27, 2021, and be in full compliance by January 7, 2022. The CDPH strongly recommends that all HCP in SNFs, including those fully vaccinated and boosted, undergo at least twice-weekly screening testing. Additionally, facilities must provide respirators to all unvaccinated workers in indoor work settings where care is provided to patients or residents or where patients or residents have access for any purpose.

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