Updated CDC Guidance for COVID-19 Infection Control

Updated COVID-19 infection control guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) outlines three key changes for physicians and healthcare facilities to consider during the pandemic. According to the CDC, these practices can help reduce risk to the facility and its healthcare personnel (HCP), as well as isolate infected patients as quickly as possible.

As of April 13, 2020, the agency advises hospitals and medical facilities to:

• implement source control by requiring everyone entering the building, whether symptomatic or not, to wear a mask. The CDC says this will “help prevent transmission from infected individuals who may or may not have symptoms of COVID-19.” Cloth mask are considered sufficient for visitors and patients, while healthcare providers should use medical masks;
• screen HCP, patients and visitors for fever, fatigue, cough, difficulty breathing and other COVID-19 symptoms before permitting entry into the building; and
• adopt universal source control for HCP by performing screenings for fever and virus symptoms before every shift. As community transmission increases, the agency says this approach should be used in place of contact tracing for exposure.

The CDC website notes that current guidelines are based on all available information about COVID-19 and the current situation in the United States. MLMIC encourages policyholders to promptly implement these recommendations, and to monitor any updates and modifications that may result from the discovery of new evidence. Visit the CDC website to view the complete summary of guidance.

For all COVID-19-related developments, please visit our dedicated resources page.