Previous COVID-19 Outbreak
September 30, 2021
As many of you are aware, Potomac Falls Health & Rehab Center has had previous outbreaks of COVID-19. With the first positive test result being reported on March 21, 2020, the center immediately placed all patients under isolation precautions and staff began using full PPE. 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 worked collaboratively with the Loudoun County Health Department. Once an outbreak occurred, the Health Department provided both onsite and telephonic support on a frequent basis. The screening of patients and staff members increased from daily to once each shift for patients and 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. The initial outbreak was cleared by the local Health Department on July 1, 2020.
In total, 52 patients tested positive for the COVID-19, the majority of which recovered. Sadly, 18 patients passed away with a diagnosis of COVID-19. A total of 58 staff members tested positive since March 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. As an added safeguard, all newly admitted patients whose COVID-19 status is unknown and patients displaying symptoms of COVID-19 are placed on transmission-based precautions, if appropriate, in a dedicated area for 14 days 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.
