Strengthening the health systems response to COVID-19: technical guidance #6: preventing and managing the COVID-19

Overview

The number of COVID-19 infections and deaths in care facilities and long-term care (‎LTC)‎ facilities have alarmed decision-makers, health care providers and communities. International experience has, however, shown that COVID-19 spread is not inevitable among LTC settings, and that some countries have been able to avoid large shares of death in care homes. Early evidence gathered over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic suggests that it is possible to mitigate the impact of the virus on LTC systems through timely and comprehensive policy action that reflects an understanding of how services are received and delivered. This technical guidance identifies 10 policy objectives for decision-makers, policy-makers and national or regional health authorities as they strive to prevent and manage the COVID pandemic in LTC settings.