April 22, 2020
Media Contact: Lorrie Andrew-Spear, lorrie.andrew-spear@vdh.virginia.gov
Lord Fairfax Health District Assisting Long Term Care Facility with COVID-19 Investigation
(Winchester, VA.) – The Lord Fairfax Health District has been working with local long-term care facilities in the health district since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak to ensure they have the knowledge and resources to respond effectively. We have a history of working together to provide for the health and safety of residents and staff. The Lord Fairfax Health District has begun using these collaborative efforts with Skyview Springs Rehab and Nursing Center in Page County, after a resident tested positive for COVID-19.
“Residents of long term care facilities are particularly vulnerable to serious COVID-19 infection due their age, underlying medical conditions, and congregate living settings,” said LFHD Director Dr. Colin Greene. “For this reason, we are working closely with our local facilities to rapidly investigate confirmed and probable outbreaks.”
This response is being made possible by the collaboration of the Skyview Springs staff and administration, Valley Health System, and the Virginia Department of Health/Lord Fairfax Health District (LFHD). These partners will continue coordination to ensure effective response. In particular:
- Residents with symptoms have been separated from non-symptomatic residents and hospitalized if appropriate.
- The residents and staff of the facility will be tested for COVID-19.
- LFHD is collaborating with the facility on optimal infection control measures to inhibit spread in the facility and the community.
- The facility staff continue to provide compassionate care to all the residents, and are coordinating closely with the hospital when additional care is needed.
LFHD and our partners remind the public that preventing COVID-19 begins with personal actions to stop the spread in the community. Remember to stay home whenever possible; maintain six feet away from others when outside your home, and wear a cloth face covering when in the community. Frequent hand washing and cleaning of surfaces is also an effective way to prevent spreading disease.
For the latest on COVID-19 in the Commonwealth, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus.
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*NOTE: Valley Health System and Skyview Springs Rehab and Nursing have agreed to be part of this press announcement.