37 New York State Counties Experiencing High COVID-19 Community Levels
With more counties across the state experiencing High COVID-19 Community Levels, LeadingAge NY reminds multifamily senior housing and other non-health care, community-based senior service providers to familiarize themselves with recommendations to reduce spread among vulnerable populations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local health departments.
As opposed to Community Transmission levels, which measure the rate of spread of COVID-19 and largely determine infection control guidance implemented in health care settings, the CDC’s COVID-19 Community Levels gauge the impact of that spread on the health care system using information about the number of new hospital admissions and beds being used. For each COVID-19 Community Level, the CDC makes recommendations that may be used for personal or community prevention to avoid strain on the health care system and protect those at increased risk of severe illness.
Providers should always consult with their local health department for more information on Community Level prevention strategies that may have been put in place; however, the CDC recommends, at a minimum, wearing a well-fitting mask indoors in public regardless of vaccination status for individual- and household-level prevention if your county COVID-19 Community Level is High. People with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone who has tested positive should also wear a mask.
For those who are immunocompromised or at high risk for severe disease, the CDC further recommends:
- wearing a mask or respirator that provides greater protection;
- considering avoiding non-essential indoor activities in public;
- having a plan for rapid testing; and
- talking to their health care provider about other precautions they can take or treatments they may be eligible for.
Click here to determine your county’s COVID-19 Community Level and review best practices for individual and household prevention based on your county’s current risk factors.
Guidance issued by the CDC for multifamily housing providers in August 2021 outlines additional recommendations that can help providers plan for and prevent outbreaks in their senior housing communities when experiencing High COVID-19 Community Levels. Click here to review and refresh yourself and your staff on strategies for working successfully with residents, staff, and public health officials to create a safe living environment and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Contact: Annalyse Komoroske Denio, akomoroskedenio@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8866