In a March 17, 2020 letter to adult program licensees, DSS noted it had reviewed guidance from the CDC in conjunction with AHCA/NCAL resources and strongly encourages steps to protect residents, including the restriction of all visitors, volunteers, and non-essential healthcare personnel except for certain compassionate care situations, such as end-of-life. We encourage you to review the letter in its entirety. The letter from Tara D. Ragland, director of the division of licensing programs, also refers providers to the VHCA-VCAL COVID-19 webpage for additional information like the VHCA-VCAL COVID-19 Screening Toolkit, information on PPD, outbreak reporting, local health district locators, training materials for staff, and sample notices to families to restrict visitors.

The letter notes, “It is imperative that you notify your local Virginia Department of Health and your VDSS Licensing Inspector immediately if there is confirmation of COVID-19 in your facility. Please follow guidance from VDH and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for all subsequent actions and precautions.