Dear Patients, Families and Community:
I am writing to provide you with the most current information on the status of COVID-19 at Potomac Falls Health & Rehab Center.
COVID-19
Since my last update, one patient has newly tested positive for COVID-19. From a cumulative perspective, a total 4 patients and 8 staff members have tested positive for the virus since mid-October.
Mitigation
According to the Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH) COVID-19 Guidance for Nursing Homes, nursing facilities should maintain a cohorting plan for the mitigation of COVID-19. This includes designating an area to care for patients with COVID-19, often referred to as a “hot zone”. A hot zone is ideally physically separated from other areas in the Center either through a self-contained unit or through use of a temporary physical barrier. Clear signage for this area helps to visually remind staff members of the additional precautions they should use when entering the space. Medical equipment and restroom facilities are not shared between COVID-positive and negative patients. Staff are also cohorted to the hot zone where possible.
For patients whose COVID-19 status is unknown, such as newly admitted patients, these individuals are placed on isolation precautions for a period of at least 14 days for their protection and the protection of other patients and staff members. Because the Center is in an outbreak status, new admissions have been halted until the outbreak is cleared.
Testing
This week’s COVID-19 positivity rate for Loudoun County as reported by the Virginia Department of Health is 6.8%. Outbreak testing for staff members and patients will continue every 3-7 days until the Center is 14 days without a positive test result.
PPE
Our supply of PPE remains adequate, and individual items are used according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. We have access to additional PPE supplies as needed.
Visitation
The holidays are fast approaching and we are planning for ways to make them meaningful in the Center. I will provide more specific information within the next week. At this time, we continue to offer scheduled virtual and outdoor visitation.
The CDC has published recommendations for safely celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday which can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays/thanksgiving.html.
Thank You
We have all been dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic for more than 8 months, and we recognize the toll it has taken on patients, their family members and friends, and our staff. Your continued support and understanding is greatly appreciated as we continue to fight the COVID battle each day. As always, feel free to reach out to me directly with concerns or questions.
Sincerely,
Wendy Walter, MA, LNHA
Regional Director of Operations
