Risk at Long-Term Facilities

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, among those facing the highest risk are individuals living in long-term care facilities (LTC). As cases, hospitalizations and deaths have decreased and vaccinations have increased, DHSS’ Division of Health Care Quality has worked with the LTC facilities to resume indoor visitation at eligible facilities and to verify that all facilities have strong screening, infection and isolation measures in place. In addition, the Division of Public Health asks LTCs with questions or concerns to email DPH_PAC@delaware.gov or call 1-866-408-1899, press ext. 2.

Face Masks Continue to Be Required at Long-Term Care Facilities

Per Governor Carney’s 29th Modification to the State of Emergency, face masks are still required of staff, vendors, contractors, and visitors to the facility, regardless of vaccination status. If a resident and visitor are both fully vaccinated, they do not have to wear a face mask only when they are visiting in a private area such as a patient’s room. Signage is available here for facilities to educate staff, contractors, and visitors of this requirement: https://coronavirus.delaware.gov/restrictions/printable-signs/.

DHSS Order on Reopening Plan for Long-Term Care Facilities

Long-term care facilities must follow DHSS guidance for reopening plans, which includes information on visitation, activities and support persons. This order was updated on May 5, 2021.

Governor’s Order on Long-Term Care Facilities

Facilities serving older adults, including skilled nursing facilities, assisted-living facilities, hospice providers, and rehabilitation facilities with older patients must follow the guidelines in the State of Emergency Order.

Governor Announces Universal Testing in Long-Term Care Facilities

On May 5, 2020, Governor Carney and the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) announced a plan to test all residents and staff of Delaware long-term care facilities for COVID-19.

DPH provided facilities with tests, testing supplies, training, and support for the universal testing program to protect the most vulnerable Delawareans. Expanding COVID-19 testing capacity for vulnerable populations is a requirement of federal guidance for economic reopening.

Public health experts at the Division of Public Health (DPH) will support clinicians at long-term care facilities with the new testing program. DPH will provide guidance on testing of symptomatic and asymptomatic persons and the interpretation of results.  DPH will also provide recommendations to protect residents and staff based on results, including transmission-based precautions, isolation, and patient and staff management strategies.

 

More Provider and Long-Term Care Facility Resources


Get More COVID Data

For more data on Delaware COVID cases, testing and outcomes, including demographic breakdowns, go to My Healthy Community


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