Health Officer issues new Order to combat COVID-19
City of Berkeley Health Officer Dr. Lisa Hernandez has issued an Order mandating masks, temperature screenings, and symptom checks for workers and visitors at skilled nursing and residential care facilities to control spread of COVID-19.
The close contact of people living and working in congregate living settings make them more susceptible to COVID-19 infection, which can spread easily such as through talking in close proximity. The age or underlying health conditions of these facilities' residents further increase their risk of serious illness or death.
While we have not yet had a lab-confirmed COVID-19 positive case in a skilled nursing facility or other residential facility, the nature of this virus makes such a case inevitable. Outbreaks across the nation increase urgency for decisive action. These steps will reduce risk to residents in facilities where the virus can spread rapidly and with severe consequences.
Requirements for licensed facilities
The order requires skill nursing, residential care, and other licensed facilities to:
- Perform temperature screenings and symptom checks on staff, contractors, and visitors before they enter the facility. Anyone with a temperature over 100° F or who reports experiencing COVID-19 symptoms in the past 7 days should not be permitted inside.
- Require surgical masks be worn by staff and visitors while inside the facility, and by residents when outside their rooms. Clean, dry cloth masks may be used only if surgical masks are not available, and should be laundered before reuse.
- Cancel all group activities and communal dining. When residents must leave their rooms, they should remain at least 6 feet apart from one another.
The Order also includes requirements for notifying hospitals and emergency medical services about potential exposure and limiting staff working at multiple facilities.
The full list of the types of facilities affected can be found on pages 2-3 of the Order.
Order supplements other measures taken
This order is one of many steps the City is taking to protect residents and staff of the 6 skilled nursing and long-term care facilities in Berkeley. Berkeley Public Health has maintained a long-standing relationship with these facilities, and we continue to work closely with them.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, a multi-department task force works directly with these facilities to prevent and mitigate outbreaks. That includes assessing supply needs, overall readiness, and providing supplies including N-95s, hand sanitizer, goggles, gloves, and surgical masks to facilities that need them.
In the event of an outbreak at a skilled nursing facility, a specially trained response team is ready to provide support and assist with on-site testing if needed.
We're encouraged by the high level of readiness we've seen so far in Berkeley facilities and look forward to continuing to partner with them to protect the health and well-being of residents and staff. This Order will add one more layer of protection against COVID-19 on top of significant work that's already been done.
