DOH has issued a Q&A document on nursing home visitation in response to some of the questions posed by members and associations. Notably, it clarifies that the 14-day COVID-free requirement applies to new "facility-onset" COVID-19 cases as defined by CMS.

New guidance takes effect Feb. 26^th.

Staff who test positive for COVID-19 within 90 days of a prior positive test result must furlough until they test negative again, but do not need to complete repeated 14- or 10-day furloughs. Staff members who are exposed to COVID-19 within 90 days of recovering must nevertheless be furloughed for the requisite 14- or 10-day period.

In emails, DOH has indicated that non-essential consultants and medically necessary health care providers may enter facilities that are otherwise closed to visitation, subject to meeting testing and screening requirements.