COVID-19 infection prevention and control — LTCF preparedness

19 items · Health · Medium difficulty · 30 min

Practical steps to prepare long-term care facilities and protect residents from COVID-19.

• Designate an IPC lead

  Assign a staff member to coordinate infection prevention activities and oversight.

• Develop a COVID-19 response plan

  Create clear steps for detection, isolation, staffing, supplies, and communications.

• Keep updated resident and staff health records

  Record chronic conditions, medications, vaccination status, and emergency contacts.

• Train staff on hand hygiene and PPE use
• Teach proper handwashing and sanitizer use

  Show 20-second handwashing steps and correct sanitizer technique.

• Demonstrate correct donning and doffing of PPE

  Practice putting on and removing PPE under supervision to avoid contamination.

• Maintain adequate PPE and supply stock

  Check inventory regularly and set reorder thresholds for masks, gloves, and gowns.

• Store PPE in a dry, accessible location

  Keep supplies organized and easily reachable for staff on every shift.

• Implement entry screening for symptoms and exposures

  Screen staff, visitors, and contractors for symptoms and recent exposures before entry.

• Restrict non-essential visitors and group activities

  Limit gatherings, use virtual visits, and stagger activities to reduce contacts.

• Designate isolation area for suspected or confirmed cases

  Identify single rooms or a cohort zone and limit staff rotations into this area.

• Set testing, notification, and reporting procedures

  Define when to test, who to notify, and how to report cases to public health.

• Promote COVID-19 vaccination for residents and staff

  Provide information, consent support, and help accessing vaccines.

• Increase cleaning and disinfection of high-touch surfaces

  Clean door handles, rails, and shared equipment at least daily or as needed.

• Improve ventilation and reduce air recirculation

  Open windows, use exhaust fans, or upgrade filters when feasible.

• Plan staff backups and contingency staffing

  Cross-train personnel and prepare for increased absenteeism during outbreaks.

• Communicate regularly with residents and families

  Share case updates, prevention measures, and any changes to visiting rules.

• Run regular drills and review lessons learned

  Practice scenarios, record weaknesses, and update the response plan accordingly.

• Provide mental health support and wellbeing checks

  Offer counseling, peer support, and routine check-ins for residents and staff.

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