Infection Prevention News 2026Mar13

ICAP confers with CDC regarding new guidelines for outbreak testing

CDC has provided information to ICAP and adjustments have been made for COVID-19 Outbreak Testing. This new guidance provides an optional approach to outbreak testing when resources are limited in order to focus efforts on symptom monitoring and mask use among exposed individuals, and test those who develop symptoms. In situations where the outbreak is not under control with this optional approach (e.g., large number of resident cases or ongoing transmission) facilities should switch to broad-based testing. DHHS Survey department has confirmed that in compliance with F880, providers “may” choose to follow official CDC guidance but may also follow other recognized guidance for testing during outbreak. Although CDC has not officially published the new optional approach, ICAP has provided guidance on the latest long term care call on 3/12/26. Slides from this presentation are available here. As a reminder, assisted living providers are not officially required to follow official guidelines, however they should have a plan in place for identifying and protecting residents from infectious diseases and are encouraged to follow this guidance.