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 verify that they 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.

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.

• DPH COVID-19 Training (6.11.20)
• PAC Medical Director Training
• COVID-19 Testing of Symptomatic Individuals at Post-Acute Care (PAC) Facilities (6.5.20)
• SHOC Resource Request Form (7.7.20)
• DPH Lab Requisition Form
• 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)
• Mandatory Staff Testing for LTC Facilities Using Curative Saliva Test
  • Training Presentation: Mandatory Testing by Curative (6.3.20)
  • SHOC Resource Request Form LTC Mandatory Testing (6.10.20) – PDF Version
  • Mandatory Staff Testing Tracking Log SAMPLE FORM (6.3.20) – PDF Version
  • Mandatory Staff Testing Tracking Log SAMPLE FORM (6.3.20) – Excel Version
  • Designation of Primary Facility SAMPLE FORM (6.3.20)
• Mandatory Reoccurring COVID-19 Testing for Long Term Care (LTC) Vendors (6.24.20)
  • SHOC Resource Request Form for Vendors (6.24.20)
• Monthly Testing for Long Term Care Residents (7.8.20)
  • 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)
• 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 May 7, 2020)

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