A letter from our Administrator
November 16th, 2021
Dear Residents and Family members of Clove Lakes,
I am pleased to inform you that CMS and NY State DOH released updated guidelines for nursing home visitation. Please be advised that Clove Lakes is expected to adhere to the core principles of COVID-19 Infection Prevention as dictated by CMS and CDC (described in this paragraph). We must continue to screen all visitors. Visitors who have a positive viral test for COVID-19, symptoms, or currently meet the criteria for quarantine, may not be allowed to enter the facility. Hand Hygiene must be performed (use of alcohol-based hand rub is preferred). All visitors should have a face covering or mask and ensure physical distancing of at least six feet between people, in accordance with CDC guidance. Please pay special attention to instructional signage throughout the facility which includes education on COVID-19 signs and symptoms, infection control precautions, and other applicable facility practices. We will continue cleaning and disinfecting high-frequency touched surfaces in the facility often. Staff will wear appropriate personal protective equipment. Residents will be cohorted according to their Covid-status. As well, resident and staff testing will be conducted as required.
Outdoor Visitation:
Outdoor visitation is preferred when the resident and/or visitor are not fully vaccinated. All appropriate infection control and prevention practices must be followed.
Indoor visitation:
Clove Lakes will allow indoor visitation at all times and for all residents as permitted under the regulations. The facility will not limit the frequency and length of visits for residents, the number of visits, or require scheduling of visits. Visits will be conducted in a manner that adheres to the core principles of COVID-19 infection prevention and does not increase risk to other residents. The facility will avoid large gatherings such as parties and events where large numbers of visitors are in the same space at the same time and physical distancing cannot be maintained. Visitors may not walk around the facility and should go directly to the resident’s room or designated area. If the resident’s roommate is unvaccinated and/or immunocompromised, visits should not be conducted in the resident’s room if possible.
Visitation according to community levels of transmission:
According to the guidelines, all residents and visitors should wear face coverings and physically distance at all times if Richmond County’s COVID-19 community level of transmission is “substantial” to “high”. In the event the level of community transmission is “low” to “moderate”, visitors and residents should wear face coverings and maintain physical distance as these are still the safest practices according to (particularly if the resident is at increased risk for severe disease or unvaccinated). Fully vaccinated residents who are not immunocompromised and whose visitors are fully vaccinated may choose not to wear face coverings or masks and to have physical contact. Visitors should wear face coverings or masks when around others regardless of vaccination status.
Visitation of residents on transmission-based precautions or quarantine:
Visits for residents on transmission-based precautions or quarantine are not recommended due to a potential risk of infection. In case visits occur, the resident will be encouraged to wear a well-fitting mask (if tolerated) while the visitor will be expected to adhere to core principles of infection prevention.
Close physical contact:
Fully vaccinated residents can choose to have close contact including touch with their visitor in accordance with the CDC’s recommendations.Unvaccinated residents may choose to have physical contact based on their preferences and needs. Unvaccinated residents and their visitors should be mindful of the risks of physical contact.
Indoor visitation during an outbreak:
It is safer for visitors not to enter the facility during an outbreak investigation. If the visit occurs, visitors should be mindful of the potential risk of visiting and the need to follow the core principles of infection prevention. Residents and visitors should wear face coverings or masks regardless of vaccination status and visits should ideally occur in the resident’s room.
Visitor testing and vaccination:
Testing is not required but encouraged especially when the level of community transmission is “substantial” or “high”. Testing may be available at the facility when feasible and Clove Lakes encourages visitors to be tested on their own before coming to the facility (e.g. within 2-3 days). Visitor vaccination is not required but strongly encouraged. The visitor is not required to show proof of vaccination or testing as a condition of visitation. Visitors who decline to disclose their vaccination status should wear a face covering or a mask at all times.
Communal Activities and Dinning:
Communal activities and dinning will resume while adhering to core principles of COVID-19 infection prevention. All residents will be encouraged to wear a face covering or mask while in the communal areas of the facility.
Please be advised that in order to accommodate resident safety, privacy, and care routine the suggested visiting hours are from 10am to 8pm. If you have any further questions about visitation, please call Social Services at 718-289-7805.
I would like to sincerely thank you for your patience and support during these difficult times.We look forward to seeing all of you!
Very truly yours,
Natalie Yakovleva,
Administrator
For our visitation policy please call 718-289-7005
