Data from October shows that COVID-19 continues to be a threat, particularly for those above the age of 65 years, as 9 out of 10 deaths are among this age group.
Center for Medicare and Medicaid recently released a statement to nursing facilities (https://www.cms.gov/files/document/qso-23-03-all.pdf) to continue to educate staff and residents about the importance of the bivalent boosters and to offer antivirals (e.g., Paxlovid) to those who have risks and comorbidities (almost all nursing home residents qualify). For those, who are unable to use antivirals (e.g., due to medication interactions or allergies) there are the options for monoclonals.
CMS recommends to review the recent updated information on the National Institute of Health (NIH) website on the most recent guideline for managing COVID-19 as an outpatient or in skilled facilities. Here is the link: https://www.covid19treatmentguidelines.nih.gov/management/clinical-management-of-adults/nonhospitalized-adults–therapeutic-management/
Please note that dexamethasone and other systemic steroids are NOT recommended and may actually be harmful for non-hospitalized patients. If patients are already using steroids those may be continued. Similarly, no antibacterial e.g., Zithromax or doxycycline are required and should be avoided as they may cause antibiotic resistance issues.