The city of Long Beach issued a health order Wednesday requiring long-term care facilities to institute a range of protocols intended to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
The order includes tightening visitation policies, mandating face coverings and requiring daily temperature screenings for staff and residents. It applies to facilities serving individuals 65 years and older or those with underlying health conditions.
“Our top priority must be to protect those at highest risk of developing serious complications from COVID-19,” said Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia.
“This new health order ensures that we are doing everything we can to minimize the risk of spread in long-term care facilities.”
Because of the concentrated living conditions and the nature of the services provided, long-term care facilities pose a greater challenge when it comes to preventing the spread of infection.
Physical distancing protocols, while important, are not sufficient in long-term care facilities.
The new order goes into effect Wednesday and will remain in effect until further notice. It mandates long-term care facilities require the following:
— Limited entry: only employees, first responders, medical professionals or contracted essential maintenance workers are allowed. All visitors are prohibited. End of life visits are allowed with limitations. Virtual visits are allowed;
— face coverings: all staff must wear surgical masks at all times in the facility. When outside their room, residents must wear a surgical mask when available or a cloth face covering. Surgical masks are required for all patients with symptoms;
— temperature screenings: daily temperature checks are required for all staff and residents. Anyone entering the facility must undergo a temperature screening and self-evaluation for COVID-19 symptoms; individuals with symptoms will not be allowed to enter the facility.
The order applies to all Licensed Congregate Facilities in Long Beach, which includes:
— adult residential care facilities of all license types;
— chronic dialysis clinics;
— continuing care retirement communities;
— hospice facilities;
— intermediate care facilities of all license types;
— psychiatric health facilities;
— residential care facilities for the elderly;
— residential facilities for the chronically ill;
— skilled nursing facilities;
— social rehabilitation facilities; and
— long-term care facilities.
This action was put in place by the City Health Officer, Dr. Anissa Davis, and in accordance with the emergency powers granted to City Manager Thomas B. Modica through the proclamation of local emergency.
Of the 18 deaths attributed to the coronavirus in Long Beach, 13 are associated with long-term care facilities.
As older adults have a higher risk for illness and medical complications, the Long Beach Health and Human Services Department has been working closely with long-term care facilities over many years to assist, monitor and enforce proper protocols to prevent infection among older adults.
During this coronavirus pandemic, the Health Department’s Communicable Disease Control Program staff has been communicating regularly with the city’s 93 long-term care facilities and working with the California Department of Public Health’s infection preventionists to share best practices that support older adults in Long Beach.
The Health Department has also been making personal protective equipment available to facilities that do not have sufficient supplies, prioritizing laboratory testing for both residents and staff, and updating the city’s website to ensure long-term care facilities receive up-to-date guidance from local, state and federal authorities.