Friends:
Please see below in this email updated Orders from the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) which were outlined by Governor Hogan earlier today during his press conference. Here is a breaking news outline of what the Governor had to say regarding our sector:
- The state has considered additional data-driven steps to re-open, including for those in SNFs to return to some sort of normalcy.
- Nursing homes have been ground zero in the fight against COVID-19
- Maryland was one of the first states to restrict visitation, institute strict infection control protocols, restrict staff travel, and other measures.
- The state also directed all staff to wear PPE, and then launched strike teams to bring triage, emergency care, supplies, and equipment.
- Maryland was also one of the first states to require universal testing for all residents and staff; the state has provided nearly $102 million in emergency funding for nursing home PPE and testing.
- Through the interstate testing compact, Maryland has secured 250,000 rapid antigen tests, which will make it easier to detect cases and quickly screen residents, staff, and visitors.
- By next week, all 227 nursing homes are on track to receive their initial allocation of rapid testing supplies.
- With successful mitigation efforts underway, the state authorized limited outdoor visitation in June.
- As of today, effective immediately, as a result of new federal and state guidelines and advances in rapid testing, indoor visitation can begin in all nursing homes that are not experiencing a current. outbreak or have not experienced any new positives cases in the last 14 days.
- Indoor visitation will not be permitted if a local jurisdiction's positivity rate rises above 10 percent.
- More flexibility for compassionate care visits.
- Committing an additional $6 million specifically for testing of nursing home staff by utilizing state testing resources .
These are very positive steps forward with much work by many behind the scenes. And of course, along with you, we will review these guidelines in detail. Governor Hogan’s announcements today and these new initiatives are deeply appreciated and are to be applauded.
As always:
- I am proud of all you are doing.
- People first, quality counts.
- Our sector MUST double our efforts on infectious disease protocol, staffing, PPE, observation, and testing.
- Train, train, and train teams again on infectious disease protocol.
- Recognize that COVID-19 fighting fatigue is an issue across the county, not just in our sector.
- Over-communicate with residents, patients, families, staff, and government partners; and work with your hospital partners, and coordinate with local and state regulatory partners.
- Take and document your action; keep a timeline
- Continue to focus on providing quality care.
- Know that MDH and the state of Maryland are working with HFAM and the other associations looking for member-helping-member models going forward, stay tuned.
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CLICK HERE for the Dr. Katz Video and please see our Donning and Doffing Checklist we first distributed a couple of months ago.
Be well,
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