1. Identify staff or residents with similar contacts as the new case to investigate potential COVID-19 transmission.
- Screen the identified staff and residents for symptoms of COVID-19. Residents with symptoms of COVID-19 should be managed as described under “Resident with Symptoms” above.
- Test the identified staff and residents once for COVID-19. While PCR testing is preferred, Antigen testing may also be used and is preferred for people who were positive for COVID-19 in the prior 90 days. Do not test staff or residents who resulted positive for COVID-19 in the prior 30 days.
2. Determine which residents or units may have been exposed to the confirmed or presumed COVID-19 resident or staff member.
- Follow the Exposed Resident guidance for all asymptomatic residents. Exposed staff should wear a respirator or well-fitting mask at all times for 10 days after their exposure.
3. Identify staff or residents with similar contacts as the new case to investigate potential COVID-19 transmission.
4. Institute universal use of medical masks for all staff, visitors, and residents (if able to tolerate a mask) of the identified units or areas for 14 days after identification of the new case that resulted in exposure(s).
5. Designated facility staff perform the Outbreak Investigation.
6. Follow “Residents with Symptoms” for any resident newly displaying signs and symptoms, even if the resident previously tested negative.
- See https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/infection-control-recommendations for additional options with ongoing outbreaks.