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Maine CDC Changes Outbreak Definitions

As of January 2, 2022, the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) is using updated definitions for COVID-19 outbreaks and COVID-19-associated deaths. COVID-19 outbreak criteria will now depend on facility type. In pre-K-12 schools, an outbreak of COVID-19 will now be defined as greater than or equal to 15% absenteeism among students or staff in a single day, where the majority of those absent are due to COVID-19 illness. For all other facility types, including but not limited to long-term care, hospital, outpatient healthcare, higher education, and businesses, an outbreak of COVID-19 is now defined as 5 or more people who have been in-person at a facility with confirmed or probable COVID-19 within a 14-day period.
 
A more specific FAQ was released last week to assist Group A and B Congregate Care Facility with this change in outbreak definition. MHCA strongly encourages members to closely read the FAQ. Below are some of the highlights:
 
Maine CDC now defines a SARS-CoV-2 outbreak as “5 or more people who have been in[1]person at a facility with confirmed or probable COVID-19 within a 14-day period.”
  • Confirmed: At least 5 total positive cases (resident + staff) in 14 days, with at least one PCR positive in mix, PER UNIT/DEPARTMENT.
  • Probable: At least 5 total positive cases (resident + staff) in 14 days, all cases are results based on antigen testing, no PCR results available, PER UNIT/DEPARTMENT.
  • Regardless of outbreak status, at the identification of a positive case a facility should continue with their internal response of an exposure investigation with close contact identification, testing, instituting quarantine of patients or work restrictions of HCWs when indicated.
Members can also find resource documents at the Maine DHHS COVID Resource Webpage.

Staff Contact: dwatford@mehca.org

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