IDH Mask Guidance – Required At All Times When County Positivity Above 5%

On July 30, 2021, the Indiana Department of Health (IDH) issued adjunct mask guidance as a result of the increase in COVID-19 cases in Indiana fueled by the Delta variant.  Under the guidance, all residents, staff, and visitors must wear masks at all times unless actively eating or drinking, regardless of their vaccination status, when the county positivity rate is above 5%.  This adjunct mask guidance should be read in conjunction with IDH’s Visitation Guidance and Infection Control Standard Operating Procedure and applies to both nursing facilities and licensed assisted living.

The county positivity rate must be checked on a weekly basis using the CDC’s COVID-19 Data Tracker, although long-term care facilities may choose to check the county positivity rate more frequently if they desire.  If a long-term care facility checks the county positivity rate on a weekly basis, the facility should check the data on the same day each week.

If the county positivity rate reaches above 5%, masks should be worn by all residents, staff, and visitors at all times unless actively eating or drinking, regardless of their vaccination status, including (but not limited to) the following circumstances:

• During indoor activities, such as church services and other group activities.
• During excursions.
• When visiting with a family member, even if the visit is in a private room.
• When staff are in resident and non-resident care areas.

If you have questions, please contact Lori Davenport at Ldavenport@ihca.org.