On Tuesday, April 21, Dr. Norman Oliver, Virginia State Health Commissioner, announced that Long-term Care Facilities (LTCFs) and Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) in neighboring areas can share information on positive COVID-19 cases. This information includes case identification and contact investigation efforts.
Under Section 32.1-41 of the Code of Virginia, the State Health Commissioner has the authority to release Public Health Information (PHI) if it is pertinent to an investigation. Although these health care providers are permitted to share this information, these details remain confidential, per the Code of Virginia, and will not be released to the public.
Many essential health care employees work at multiple facilities, serving Virginia’s most vulnerable during this pandemic. Out of concern for their safety and the safety of patients, the State Health Commissioner is releasing this information to aid VDH’s state and local efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.