Ask Proactive – Do we have to place new admissions in transmission based precautions for 14 days after admission if we have a negative COVID-19 test at the time of admission?

Do we have to place new admissions in transmission-based precautions for 14 days after admission if we have a negative COVID-19 test at the time of admission?

A:

Yes, Per the CDC, new admissions should be placed in a single-person room or in a separate observation area so the resident can be monitored for evidence of COVID-19. This applies regardless if a resident has a negative COVID-19 test. The only exception would be if the resident has tested positive in the last 90 days and has since met the criteria for discontinuation of transmission-based precautions. Staff should wear full PPE, including an N95 or higher-level respirator, eye protection, gloves, and gown when caring for new admissions during the 14-day observation period and appropriate signage should be placed on the door of the room to alert staff that contact-droplet precautions should be followed. If the resident remains afebrile and asymptomatic during the 14-day observation period, they can then be transferred out of the observation area and contact-droplet precautions can be discontinued.