Reopening Guidance Updates

May 10^th, 2021

We are thankful for the opportunity to share updated reopening guidance we have received from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). Previously described phases no longer apply. The full written guidance can be found here: http://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/coronavirus/long-term-care-guidance

Helpful Highlights:

Reminder, it is vital that we continue to remain vigilant and adhere to the core principles of COVID-19 infection prevention: hand hygiene, face covering, social distancing, and recognition of signs/symptoms indicative of COVID-19 infection regardless of the visitor’s or resident’s vaccination status.

• The
  Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) recommends residents, regardless of
  vaccination status,  may be required to quarantine for 14 days upon
  move-in or return to the community under full infection control precautions. {PG 13}

• Quarantine is no longer recommended for residents who move in or return from a hospital setting if they are fully vaccinated or within 90 days of confirmed COVID-19 infection and have not had prolonged close contact with someone with COVID-19 infection in the prior 14 days. {PG 10}
• Visitation guidelines no longer have same household restrictions or age requirements. Temperature and screening check-ins are still required. Common area and outdoor visits will continue to be scheduled, while apartment visits no longer require scheduling.
• Fully vaccinated residents can now choose to accept close contact, including touch, with visitors while still wearing face coverings and performing hand hygiene before and after interactions.
• Dining options, including restaurant-style service, have resumed with core principles of infection prevention in place.
• Salon services are now permitted to continue with additional safety guidelines including: no hand-held dryers, social distancing, scheduled appointments, and face coverings.
• Life enrichment programs are no longer limited in size, so long as face coverings, 6 feet separation, and proper hand-hygiene measures are taken.

Welcome back! As always, we are here to help. We are eager to move forward and back to our hospitality, socially interactive, and choice-driven services. It has been a tough year and we are grateful and optimistic that we can continue to navigate this difficult course together.