The California Department of Health issued a new All Facilities Letter (AFL) providing recommendations for Intermediate Care Facilities/Developmentally Disabled (ICF/DD) to ensure the safe participation of residents/clients in day programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The letter emphasizes that residents/clients should refrain from participating in day programs if they have tested positive for, have symptoms of, or are in quarantine for COVID-19 exposure. Facilities must screen all residents/clients returning from day programs for COVID-19 symptoms and exposure. Additionally, facilities should confirm that day programs have appropriate infection control protocols in place and educate residents/clients about potential risks in public settings. The letter also recommends periodic testing of asymptomatic unvaccinated and incompletely vaccinated residents/clients who regularly leave and return to the facility. Resident/client rights must be respected, including the right to receive or reject COVID-19 vaccinations. Finally, the letter provides guidance on transportation, including scheduling, physical distancing, and mask-wearing.

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