Nursing home members are urged to review the Department's April 17^th IHANS alert.

Issued in response to changes in the FDA's emergency use authorizations, the FAQs reiterate requirements to conduct two tests, 48 hours apart, when using antigen point-of-care or at-home tests on symptomatic individuals who test negative.

DOH clarified in an email to LeadingAge NY that passive screening for COVID-19 infections, symptoms, and exposures is acceptable for nursing home staff, as well as visitors.

The new guidance indicates that DOH is fully aligning with CMS QSO-20-39-NH regarding nursing home COVID-19 screening and visitor testing. Specifically, nursing homes are no longer required to verify that visitors have a negative COVID-19 test before entry or conduct active COVID-19 screening.