In an email to LeadingAge NY, staff from DOH's Wadsworth Center Clinical Laboratory Evaluation Program indicated that at-home COVID-19 tests may not be used off-site (e.g., in the employee's home) for purposes of fulfilling routine staff testing requirements. However, when used on-site, non-nursing staff may collect the specimens and interpret the results from rapid tests, if they are properly trained.

After asking DOH for additional clarification surrounding its universal eye protection guidance, LeadingAge NY was advised that nursing homes are required to follow all State and federal guidance regarding the use of universal eye protection.

DAL clarifies that hospice providers delivering care in nursing homes are not considered visitors and, therefore, are not required to be tested for COVID-19 upon entry.

In reviewing the most up-to-date version of this worksheet, LeadingAge NY has not identified any COVID-19-based changes.

Last week, DOH allocated 1,800 treatment courses of Molnupiravir, an oral anti-viral medication, to long term care pharmacies for nursing home use.