How do LTC Phases work?
LTC Phase status is based upon the general Safe Start plan, but takes additional factors into account.
Those additional factors include local virus activity, facility access to testing and personal protective equipment, and virus activity within the facility.
Facilities will be held to LTC Phase 1 if the local COVID case rate per 100,000 residents exceeds 75.
To reach LTC Phase 2, the local COVID case rate threshold is 25-75 per 100,000 residents. 28 days must have passed since the last positive or suspected client was identified within the facility. A plan for responding to new infections must be prepared. Adequate staffing, PPE, cleaning supplies, local hospital capacity are also required.
To reach LTC Phase 3, the local COVID case rate threshold is 10-25 per 100,000 residents. 28 days must have passed since the last positive or suspected client was identified within the facility. A plan for responding to new infections must be prepared. Adequate staffing, PPE, cleaning supplies, local hospital capacity are also required.
To reach LTC Phase 4, the local COVID case rate must not exceed 10 per 100,000 residents. 28 days must have passed since the last positive or suspected client was identified within the facility. A plan for responding to new infections must be prepared. Adequate staffing, PPE, cleaning supplies, local hospital capacity are also required.
Facilities may not move beyond their county's Safe Start Phase.
Do residents that leave facilities for community visits need to be quarantined?
Facilities will complete an exposure risk assessment for each resident who leaves the facility for community visits. The risk assessment will inform how the facility manages residents upon their return. Residents that leave the facility, as well as those accompanying them (family members, etc.), should be educated on infection prevention. "Low-risk" resident activity will prompt a safety briefing and screening. "Medium-risk" resident activity prompts a 14-day refrain from group activity. "High-risk" resident activity should be quarantined for 14 days. The facility will work with the Local Health Jurisdiction (LHJ) in determining the best approach after completing the exposure risk assessment.
How are "end-of-life" and "psychosocial need" circumstances defined for early LTC Phase visits?
"End-of-life" circumstances are generally considered to be defined by a sharp decline in health status.
"Psychosocial need" circumstances are generally considered to encompass situations of acute distress or trauma. Examples include the death of a friend or loved one or distress over sudden lifestyle changes.
All compassionate care circumstances are considered by facilities on a case-by-cases basis. In Phases 1 and 2, these visits are to be conducted sparingly.
