In yesterday's update we provided notice of the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) "Interim Guidance Regarding In-Person Services at Article 16 Clinics." The link to the guidance was inadvertently connected to other OPWDD interim guidance. The correct Article 16 clinic guidance can be viewed here. 

OPWDD has created several resource materials to assist the people we support and their staff in understanding COVID-19 and the response to this public health emergency. These materials, which can be found at OPWDD's "COVID-19 in Plain Language" webpage, include informational videos, flyers, posters and other documents. 

Additionally, OPWDD has created staff training materials that focus on communicating information about COVID-19, prevention strategies and what to expect if you get the virus. OPWDD's In Plain Language Talking Points and COVID-19 PowerPoint are included here. Please review and consider distributing to the people your Chapter supports and their staff.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published guidance on the duration of isolating adults with COVID-19 and precautions to prevent further transmission. This guidance is in response to recent studies and data collected on reinfection. 

Results of the study indicated that "persons with mild to moderate COVID-19 remain infectious no longer than 10 days after symptom onset. Persons with more severe to critical illness or severe immunocompromise are likely remain infectious no longer than 20 days after symptom onset." The CDC guidance includes recommendations such as discontinuing isolation and precautions 10 days after symptom onset and resolution of fever for at least 24 hours, without the use of fever reducing medications, and with improvement of other symptoms. Those with more severe illness may require longer periods of isolation and consultation with health department officials should occur before making any changes.

Additionally, the CDC guidance notes that a test-based strategy is no longer recommended, except when discontinuing isolation or precautions earlier than the duration in the guidance.

We are sharing this for your awareness as we await New York State Department of Health (DOH) revised guidance on isolation requirements in response to this new information. Chapters should continue to consult with and follow the directives of their local health department.