DSS issued two memos this week. The first includes holiday visitation considerations to help facilities balance the need to protect residents and finding ways to connect, celebrate, and stay positive. The second describes the revisions to existing Executive Orders announcing new actions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 including the reduction in public and private gatherings, expansion of the mask mandate, and more. 

The memo on holiday visitation emphasizes the core principles of COVID-19 infection prevention and best practices to consider when developing procedures and plans for visitation.

The new document includes tips and best practices for:

• Visitor safety and contact
• Using information from VDH for planning
• Core principles for infection prevention
• Outdoor visitation
• Indoor visitation

DSS also references the recent VDH and CDC guidance on holiday gatherings.

The memo on the new statewide measures to contain COVID-19 explains that the 25-person public and private gathering size limit does not include resident dining when requirements for social distancing can be met. The expansion of the mask mandate to all Virginians five years and over (previously 10 years) applies to everyone aged five and above when in non-residential parts of an ALF. There will also be strengthened enforcement of the guidelines for physical distancing, wearing face coverings, and enhanced cleaning.

The full text of amended Executive Order 63 and Order of Public Health Emergency Five and sixth amended Executive Order 67 and Order of Public Health Emergency Seven are available here. The Virginia Department of Health COVID-19 website posts the latest information under the Long-Term Care Facilities and Other Residential Settings tab.