Infection Prevention and Control in Congregate Living Settings

Passive vs active screening

The goal of both active and passive screening is to identify individuals who may be infectious and prevent the spread of infection within congregate living settings.

• Passive Screening: Individuals assess their own risk factors and symptoms and decide if they may enter a facility. This process relies on reviewing signage or posters at the entrance. No formal verification occurs.

• COVID-19 Passive Screening Tool (Self-Screening)

• Visitor Screening Poster (PDF)

• Active Screening: Information is actively collected to determine if an individual may enter. This can be done:

• In-person (on-site using paper or kiosks)

• Remotely (via phone, email, or apps)

• This approach includes an attestation or confirmation of screening and is typically used during new or emergency infectious disease situations.

Hand hygiene

Importance of hand hygiene in preventing infections

Hand hygiene is one of the most effective methods to prevent infections in congregate living settings. It can be performed by:

• Using alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) with at least 70% alcohol.

• Washing with soap and water if hands are visibly soiled.

Maintaining proper hand hygiene is the responsibility of all staff and visitors to ensure a safe environment.

Resources:

• Just Clean Your Hands (Public Health Ontario)

• Wash Your Hands Poster (PDF)

• How to Hand Wash (Video)

• Clean Your Hands Poster (PDF)

• How to Hand Rub (Video)

• How to Wash Your Hands Poster (PDF)

• How to clean your hands poster (PDF)

Point of care risk assessment and personal protective equipment

Conducting a Point of Care Risk Assessment (PCRA)

PCRA helps staff identify potential risks and apply appropriate controls during client interactions. It is a key component of Routine Practices (RP) and must be performed before each client interaction to reduce transmission risks.

PPE and PCRA Resources:

• Point of Care Risk Assessment Poster (PDF)

• Donning and Doffing PPE Instructional Cards (PDF)

• Donning PPE Video

• Doffing PPE Video

• PPE Audit Tools

Environmental cleaning

Best practices for environmental cleaning

Environmental cleaning involves regular cleaning and disinfecting to prevent infection transmission. Effective cleaning practices include:

• Selecting appropriate cleaning products

• Implementing clear policies and procedures

• Providing staff with regular training

Resources:

• Public Health Ontario Environmental Cleaning Guidance

• List of Approved Disinfectants for COVID-19

Antibiotic Resistant Microorganisms (AROs)

Understanding AROs and prevention strategies

AROs are viruses, bacteria, or fungi resistant to standard treatments (e.g., MRSA). While resistance can occur naturally, misuse of antibiotics accelerates the issue.

Prevention strategies include:

• Hand hygiene

• Environmental cleaning and disinfection

• Avoiding shared personal items

When to prescribe antibiotics:

Healthcare providers should prescribe antibiotics only when necessary, as they are ineffective against viral illnesses.

Resources:

• Annex A: Screening, Testing, and Surveillance for AROs in Health Care Settings (Feb 2013 (PDF)

For questions, contact the IPAC Hub or your facility’s assigned Infectious Disease team member.

IPAC checklists

Using IPAC checklists effectively

IPAC checklists help facilities prepare for and manage infectious disease outbreaks. Use them regularly to identify strengths and areas for improvement.

Checklist resources:

• Checklist for Lower-Risk Congregate Living Setting (PDF)

• Checklist for Outbreak Preparedness, Prevention, and Management in Congregate Living Settings (PDF)