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On Friday, 9/10/2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released updated guidance for healthcare settings. Recently, the Secretary for the Department of Health (DOH) also released updated orders requiring masking in all indoor settings. The Aging and Long-Term Support Administration (ALTSA) and DOH are working to update Washington State long-term care (LTC) setting guidance, including the Safe Start for LTC plans, to align with the CDC recommendations. Except as it relates to the area outlined below, please continue to follow the current Safe Start plans while these updates take place. New Washington State guidance, along with updated Safe Start Plans will be available very soon.
Area that needs to be implemented immediately:
- Masking is now required in all indoor settings, regardless of vaccination status. This also applies to long-term care settings. Residents will not be able to remove source control during activities or in the dining room except when actively eating or drinking. Vaccinated residents and visitors will not be able to remove source control when visiting indoors.
Please reach out to the Ombuds program if you have a resident/client who is struggling with the recent change in the masking mandate.
Thank you for everything you do!
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