HENRICO COUNTY, Va. – As the coronavirus continues to spread across Virginia, a rehabilitation center in Henrico County is dealing with an outbreak and the death of three patients.
Canterbury Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center announced Wednesday that a thrid resident who tested positive for COVID-19 has died.
This comes one day after the facility announced two elderly residents who tested positive for COVID-19 died. The cases were the first deaths from the coronavirus in Central Virginia.
The patients were among six patients at the Far West End facility receiving treatment for the virus at a local hospital. Three residents continue to receive treatment at the hospital.
Additional patients are being treated and closely monitored at Canterbury in an isolated unit per guidance from the Henrico County Health Department.
The Henrico rehab facility says a total of 14 residents have tested positive for COVID-19, including the three deaths.
Additionally, four Canterbury healthcare workers have tested positive for the virus, officials confirmed.
“The safety and health of Canterbury residents and staff is our primary concern. We are working directly with local and state health departments and taking guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) protocols to help contain further spread of the virus,” said Dr. James Wright, Medical Director of Canterbury Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center.
“As an additional measure, last week Canterbury retained an industrial cleaning service to provide full and ongoing decontamination of the facility. This includes both daily deep cleaning and the incorporation of six hydroxyl generators, which create airborne hydroxyl radicals that treat pathogens in both the air and on surfaces.”
Henrico Health officials say they are continuing to collaborate with the facility to reduce risk of transmission, conduct contact investigation, and to implement control measures.
Those health officials also confirmed that Canterbury suspended admissions and resident visitations, even before their first positive test.
“Regarding visitations, we understand that connecting with family members and loved ones is incredibly important. Therefore, we will continue to provide regular updates and encourage family to visit virtually by telephone or video call, email, text, or instant messaging,” said Wright.
Canterbury says they are continually monitoring all residents for COVID-19 symptoms along with daily employee screenings.
COVID-19 Safety Precautions
Most patients with COVID-19 have mild to moderate symptoms. However, in a small proportion of patients, COVID-19 can lead to more severe illness, including death, particularly among those who are older or those who have chronic medical conditions.
COVID-19 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Symptoms appear within 14 days of being exposed to an infectious person.
Virginia health officials urged the following precautions:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer only if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Avoid non-essential travel.
- Avoid contact with sick people.
- Practice social distancing. Maintain at least six feet of space between yourself and other individuals when out in public.
- Avoid crowds of more than ten people.