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This message is to notify long-term care (LTC) setting providers of an error on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID Data Tracker website.
WHAT: The CDC identified an error on their COVID Data Tracker website. The error prevents update to Community Transmission Levels calculated for Washington State.
WHEN: The error occurred on 02/03/2023 in the COVID-19 Case data tracking feature. The issue is unresolved.
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT: LTC setting providers use CDC Community Transmission Levels for personal protective equipment (PPE) guidance. When community transmission level is high, Healthcare Personnel (HCP) are instructed to wear:
- Eye protection for all resident/client encounters.
- A National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) approved N95 or equivalent respirator for all aerosol generating procedures (AGP), regardless of COVID-19 status.
ACTION REQUESTED: The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) recommends that LTC settings continue to provide care and services based upon the last available data.
- If the last available data shows “high” community transmission – continue to wear eye protection for all resident/client encounters and wear NIOSH approved N95 respirators for all AGP, regardless of COVID-19 status.
- If the last available data shows “low”, “moderate”, or “substantial” community transmission - eye protection for resident encounters and NIOSH approved N95 respirators for AGPs are not required.
REFERENCES:
Interim Recommendations for SARS-CoV-2 Infection Prevention and Control in Healthcare Settings
CDC COVID Data Tracker County View
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