Previous COVID-19 Outbreak
July 15, 2022
As many of you are aware, Lee Health & Rehab Center has had previous outbreaks of COVID-19. The first positive test result was reported on July 4, 2020 for a staff member during routine testing. The center had previously implemented the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recommended infection control and prevention measures.
Prior to receiving the first positive test result, the center began working collaboratively with the Lee County Health Department. Once the initial outbreak occurred, the Health Department provided support on a frequent basis. The screening of patients and staff members for signs and symptoms of the virus increased from daily to once during each shift for patients and at the beginning and end of each shift for staff. 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.
Additional cases have been reported since July 2020. In total, 154 patients tested positive for the COVID-19, the majority of which recovered. A total of 136 staff members tested positive since July 2020, and all have made a full recovery and were able to return to work.
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 new clinical guidance from the CDC and the Virginia Department of Health. 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.
The center created a cohorting plan for patients and staff with the support of the local Health Department. Patients who are symptomatic or have known exposure and are unvaccinated are placed on transmission-based precautions. As an added safeguard, newly admitted patients who are unvaccinated or whose COVID-19 status is unknown may be placed on transmission-based precautions in a dedicated area 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.
