CDC Updates Infection Prevention and Control Guidance for Health Care Personnel

On September 23, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated several guidance documents relating to infection prevention and control for health care personnel. The Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Health Care Personnel During the COVID-19 Pandemic applies to all U.S. settings where health care is delivered, including nursing homes and home health. With regard to intermediate care facilities (ICFs), state and local public health entities vary greatly on which guidance to follow, with some ICFs following Community Guidance while others follow the Health Care Settings Guidance.

The CDC made additional updates to guidelines that govern non-health care settings such as assisted living, group homes, and other residential care settings. Settings whose staff provide non-skilled personal care similar to that provided by family members in the home (e.g. assisted living facilities, group homes), should follow community prevention strategies based on COVID-19 Community Levels, similar to independent living, retirement communities or other non-health care congregate settings. Residents should also be counseled about strategies to protect themselves and others, including recommendations for source control if they are immunocompromised or at high risk for severe disease.

For more information, see the full set of updated guidance documents:

• Infection Control: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) | CDC
• Interim Guidance for Managing Health Care Personnel with SARS-CoV-2 Infection or Exposure to SARS-CoV-2 | CDC
• Strategies to Mitigate Health Care Personnel Staffing Shortages | CDC