Previous COVID-19 Outbreak
July 15, 2022
As many of you are aware, Carriage Hill Health & Rehab Center has had previous outbreaks of COVID-19. With the first positive test result being reported on May 24, 2020, the center immediately placed all patients under isolation precautions and staff began using full personal protective equipment (PPE). The center had previously implemented the CDC’s recommended infection control and prevention measures.
The center has worked collaboratively with the Rappahannock Area Health District. The screening of patients and staff members increased from daily to once per shift for patients and at the beginning and end of each shift for staff once the outbreak occurred. Staff members with known exposure or symptoms were placed off from work and did not return until the CDC’s return to work criteria had been met.
A total of 191 patients have tested positive for COVID-19 since May 2020. A total of 114 staff members tested positive for the virus for the same time period, all of which have recovered.
The center has a trained infection preventionist who continues to assist the staff in monitoring patients more frequently and ensuring infection control procedures are strictly followed. Staff have received training in infection prevention measures, proper donning and doffing of PPE and the most current clinical guidance from the CDC and VDH. The center’s PPE supply continues to be adequate, and we are confident that we have the PPE we need in order to safely care for patients.
We have created a cohorting plan for patients and staff. As an added safeguard, all newly admitted patients whose COVID-19 status is unknown and patients who display symptoms of COVID-19 are placed under isolation precautions, as appropriate, in a dedicated area until they are determined to be COVID-free for their protection and the protection of other patients and the staff.
We are grateful for the support of the local community and the families of patients in the center who provided many gestures of kindness over the past several months. The staff have remained dedicated to ensuring that their patients receive quality care and loving compassion during this challenging pandemic.
