Previous COVID-19 Outbreak
July 14, 2022

As many of you are aware, Dinwiddie Health & Rehab Center has had previous outbreaks of COVID-19 in the Center. An initial notification was provided on June 10, 2020 that a staff member tested positive for COVID-19. The Center had previously implemented the CDC’s recommended infection control and prevention measures.

Prior to receiving the first positive test result, the Center worked collaboratively with the Crater Health District. Once an outbreak occurred, the local Health Department provided support on a frequent basis. 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.

A total of 59 patients and 45 staff members have tested positive for COVID-19 since June 2020.

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 VDH. 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 for use when the Center has an outbreak. As an added safeguard, all newly admitted patients whose COVID-19 status is unknown and patients who display symptoms of COVID-19 are placed under isolation precautions, if appropriate, in a dedicated area until they are determined to be COVID-free 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.