IHANS alert from April 26, 2021.

Updating what was reported on our Monday webinar, LeadingAge NY is now hearing from nursing home members that some DOH regional offices are reversing instructions that had relaxed restrictions on outdoor visitation and social activities during outbreaks. They are now instructing nursing homes that outdoor visitation may proceed during an outbreak only for residents who are not on transmission-based precautions. Members are urged to contact their regional offices on these issues.

Consistent with CMS guidance, the new State-issued guidance generally allows outdoor visitation regardless of county positivity and outbreak status, allows indoor visitation except under limited circumstances, and precludes the imposition of testing or vaccination as a condition of visitation. The DOH guidance also sets forth protocols to follow when a visitor contracts COVID-19 after a visit.