On September 10, 2021, the CDC updated its infection prevention and control (IPC) guidance for healthcare settings. The agency also noted that assisted living communities should follow the guidance for Retirement Communities and Independent Living. However, in circumstances when healthcare is being delivered (e.g., by home health agency, staff providing care for a resident with SARS-CoV-2 infection), assisted living communities should follow the IPC recommendations in this guidance.

Read our September 10 COVID-19 update for a summary of the CDC guidance and refer to the full guidance documents for exact recommendations. Also of note for nursing facilities, CMS issued QSO-20-38-NH Revised, which includes revised COVID-19 staff testing guidance and outbreak testing.