Procedures for Resident Outings – Effective 6/17/2021

PROCEDURES FOR RESIDENT OUTINGS

Effective 6/17/2021

• Residents may go out of the facility to doctor’s appointments and outings with families as long as the county positivity rates are less than 5%.
• If the county rates are between 5%-10%, only emergent appointments out of the facility will be made.
• If county rates are greater than 10%, appointments will be rescheduled if possible.
• Residents who go out of facility for a doctor’s appointment will wear a well fitted mask, will be reminded to social distance, and the importance of hand hygiene, whether vaccinated or not. The Nursing facility will communicate with the medical facility if COVID exposure has occurred and vice versa.
  • Individuals accompanying residents (e.g., transport personnel, family members) will be educated about the importance of adhering to infection control practices and should assist the resident with adherence.
• Residents who go out of the facility on a regular basis (e.g., dialysis) and have not been vaccinated will be tested weekly for COVID 19 and immediately if displaying COVID 19 symptoms.
• Therapeutic Leaves will observe all infection control guidelines as required and will follow LOA guidelines as outlined in OPS-366 Bed Holds, Returns and Therapeutic Leave of Absence.
• Residents who have been fully vaccinated will be educated on the potential risk of public settings, to avoid large crowds, and poor ventilated spaces. They will be encouraged to wear well fitted masks, adhere to social distancing and the importance of hand hygiene. If they are in a private space with family members who have all been vaccinated, they may have close contact with no masks when out of facility.
• Residents who have not been fully vaccinated will be educated on the increased risk of exposure to COVID 19 while out of facility and encouraged not to go out. If they still insist on going out the following will be explained to resident and family while the Public Health Emergency exists:

1. 1. Limit close contact (maintain physical distancing of six feet or more).
   2. Wear well fitted mask, always covering nose and mouth (including in cars, homes, and restaurants).
   3. Avoid large gatherings, crowded areas, and high-risk activities such as singing.
   4. Avoid communal serving utensils, passing of food, potluck, or buffet.
   5. Perform hand hygiene after touching anything.
   6. Do not allow anyone who has signs or symptoms of COVID-19 or has been exposed to someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 near resident.
   7. Notify facility if exposure to resident has occurred.
   8. Person who is picking up resident will be screened prior to allowing resident to go with them.
   9. Resident will be screened upon return. If any symptoms present or any exposure may have occurred or adherence to infection control measures were not followed resident will be placed on precautions for 14 days.