December 1: COVID-19 Update
On November 30, The Culpeper’s management team became aware of two team members who tested positive for COVID-19. The first team member primarily works in the health care center as a direct care provider. The team member last worked on November 18 and was exposed to the virus outside the community by a positive family member several days later. The second team member works in the culinary department within assisted living. The team member’s last date of work was on November 23 and was later exposed to the virus outside the community on November 24.
Both team members are currently on quarantine at home until Virginia Department of Health (VDH) return to work criteria is met. Since both team members were exposed outside of The Culpeper and have not returned to work since their exposure, there is little concern regarding potential transmission of the virus at the community. Contact tracing did not reveal any direct contact with other team members or residents. VDH and the Department of Social Services have been notified, there were no additional VDH recommendations due to known exposure being after both team members’ last date of work.
The Culpeper continues to test team members who work in the health care center twice weekly, due to Culpeper County’s positivity rate being significantly high at 27%. This testing will continue until the positivity rate decreases to below 10%. Although the positivity rate is high, there are no residents exhibiting signs or symptoms of COVID-19.
Visitation is still suspended until further notice for all main building residents to include outdoor visits and memory support courtyard visits. Zoom, Skype and window visits will continue with appropriate reservations. Communal dining and activities continue accordingly. All residents are discouraged from community outings other than medically necessary appointments. The Culpeper’s team urges all residents and team members to keep in mind the high community positivity rate and proceed cautiously with daily duties and holiday season planning.
Please check the COVID-19 communications hub at https://culpeperretirement.org/blog/covid19/ for up to date communications. Questions or concerns may be submitted via email at [email protected] or 540-825-2411.