Facemasks are still required to be worn
On May 13, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued good news for those who are fully vaccinated. If you are fully vaccinated (meaning that you have completed the full series of the vaccine and two weeks have passed since the last dose), the CDC says you can resume activities without wearing a face mask or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, or local law.
Unfortunately, healthcare is one of those exceptions where wearing a face mask is still required except in certain circumstances. While face masks are required to be worn in most areas of our campus, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services does allow for fully vaccinated residents to visit in person with fully vaccinated visitors without wearing face masks and within close contact when in a private room or apartment. Face masks must be worn in common areas or when an unvaccinated person is in the room or area.
Employees who are fully vaccinated may remove their face masks in break rooms or meeting rooms when all present are fully vaccinated. All employees must continue to wear face masks and eye protection when in care areas.
If you are unvaccinated and are interested in vaccination, the COVID-19 vaccine is readily available. Not sure where? Check out vaccines.gov, text your zip code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233 to find a location near you. Still have questions? Click this link for more information on the COVID-19 vaccine from the CDC.
We look forward to the day when COVID-19 is vanquished. Until then, we appreciate your cooperation as we comply with the requirements applicable to senior care facilities.