Risk at Long-Term Facilities

Among those facing the highest risk for COVID-19 are individuals living in long-term care facilities (LTC). DHSS’ Division of Health Care Quality is working closely with facilities to resume 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.

DHSS Order on Reopening Plan for Long-Term Care Facilities

Effective Sept. 8, eligible long-term care facilities can follow DHSS guidance for reopening plans, including restricted indoor visitation and one support person per resident if needed.

Governor’s Order on Long-Term Care Facilities

On April 15, Governor Carney issued an 11th amendment to his State of Emergency requiring stricter guidelines to prevent COVID-19 infections in nursing facilities and other long-term care facilities.

Governor Announces Universal Testing in Long-Term Care Facilities

On May 5, 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 will provide 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.

• LTC Order and Reopening Plan
  • Reopening Application Template
• Order of the Department of Health and Social Services
• DPH COVID-19 Training 101220
  • DPH COVID-19 Training 101220 (PDF version) 
  • Signature Attestation For Employees of Long-Term Care Facilities Upon Training Completion (10.2.20)
• PAC Medical Director Training
• Emergency Regulations from DHSS-Division of Health Care Quality
  • 3201 Skilled and Intermediate Care Nursing Facilities (6.1.20)
  • 3225 Assisted Living Facilities (6.1.20)
  • 3230 Rest (Residential) Home Regulations (6.1.20)
• Testing Guidance for Long-Term Care Facilities (10.12.20)
  • Training Presentation: Mandatory Testing by Curative (6.3.20)
  • SHOC Resource for Curative Tests (10.16.20) – PDF Version
  • Designation of Primary Facility SAMPLE FORM (6.3.20)
  • Get Tested to Reduce the Spread of COVID-19 (6.17.20) – English
  • Get Tested to Reduce the Spread of COVID-19 (6.17.20) – Spanish
  • Get Tested to Reduce the Spread of COVID-19 (6.17.20) – Haitian-Creole
  • Long-Term Care Residents Consent Declination Form (6.24.20)
• Rapid Antigen Testing Protocols (10.7.20)
• SHOC Resource Request Form
• FAQ: Long Term Care Sentinel Surveillance and Testing Program (6.3.20)
• Suggested Guidelines for Determining Presumed Positive COVID-19 Resident Status (4.23.20)
• Cloth Mask Guidance (4.6.10)
• Health Care Waivers (4.9.20)
• Public Health Orders for Regulatory Requirements (4.9.20
• Staffing Assistance Request Procedure (4.9.20)
• Staffing Assistance Request Form (4.9.20)

More Provider and Long-Term Care Facility Resources

Discontinuation of COVID-19 Precautions for Long Term Care Facilities (Updated 8.5.20)

CDC Information on Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 in Retirement Communities and Independent Living Facilities

DPH Guidance for Management of Persons with Suspected COVID-19 Exposure, Discontinuation of Home Isolation and Return to Work (updated July 27, 2020)

Optimizing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Supplies

Strategies to Mitigate Healthcare Personnel Staffing Shortages

CDC Information on Donning and Doffing PPE

CDC Guidance on Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Facility

CDC Guidance on Cleaning and Disinfection for Community Facilities

Poster for Restricting Visitors in LTC Facilities

Alzheimer Foundation of America