Regardless of how visits are conducted at nursing homes, there are certain core principles and best practices that reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission including, but not limited to: 

• Screening of all who enter the facility for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and denial of entry of those with signs or symptoms or those who have had close contact with someone with COVID-19 infection in the prior 14 days (regardless of the visitor’s vaccination status)
• Hand hygiene (use of alcohol-based hand rub is preferred)
• The use of face coverings or masks (covering mouth and nose) in accordance with CDC guidance
• Social distancing of at least six feet between persons, in accordance with CDC guidance

Nursing homes should allow indoor visitation at all times and for all residents, regardless of vaccination status. However, indoor visitation should be limited for:

• Unvaccinated residents if the nursing home’s COVID-19 county positivity rate is >10% and <70% of residents in the facility are fully vaccinated;
• Residents with confirmed COVID-19 infection, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated, until they have met the criteria to discontinue Transmission-Based Precautions; or
• Residents in quarantine, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated, until they have met criteria for release from quarantine.

Outdoor visitation is preferred whenever possible even when the resident and visitor are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Outdoor visits generally pose a lower risk of transmission due to increased space and airflow.

Learn more about nursing home visitation policies.