Previous COVID-19 Outbreak
May 6, 2022

As many of you are aware, Gainesville Health & Rehab Center has had a previous outbreak of COVID-19. With the first positive test result being report on April 21, 2020, the center immediately placed all patients under isolation precautions and staff began using full PPE. The center had previously implemented the CDC’s recommended infection control and prevention measures.

The center has worked collaboratively with the Prince William County Health Department. The screening of patients and staff members increased from daily to once each shift for patients and at 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.

A total of 83 patients and 70 staff members have tested positive for COVID-19 since April 2020. We unfortunately lost 14 patients who passed away with a diagnosis of COVID-19.

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 current 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 and with the support of the local health department. 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, as 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.