News

The Latest on Coronavirus; Two Cases in Washington State Linked to Long-Term Care Facility

March 2, 2020

The first coronavirus (COVID-19) deaths in the US occurred in Washington State over the weekend, and a long-term care facility in the same state is linked to two of the state’s 13 confirmed, as reported by the Washington Post.  

The Delaware Department of Public Health announced on February 26 its preparations for a potential spread of coronavirus, and will hold another press conference today, March 2 with further updates. No one in Delaware has tested positive to date. 

AHCA/NCAL issued email updates on February 28 and again on March 1 outlining strategies to protect residents and their families as well as staff members and their families. These strategies are known to reduce the spread of respiratory viruses. 

These include:

  • Make sure staff and visitors are practicing know strategies to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, of which COVID-19 is one:
    • Frequently wash hands with soap or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
    • Cover all coughs (using the crook of arm is a good strategy)
    • Stay home when sick (including any of these symptoms: fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat
  • Review your isolation procedures and make sure your staff follows them
  • Post notices telling visitors who are sick to make use electronic visiting methods, such as Facetime, Skype, phone calls, and email
  • Review testing guidelines/procedures for those suspected of COVID-19
  • Stay in touch with the CDC (Center for Disease Control) and the Delaware Department of Public Health (DPH)

The CDC has numerous resources available for health care providers and the public, and continues to issue updates through the Health Alert Network. 

 
 
If you are a health professional evaluating a patient for suspected 2019 novel coronavirus (2019–nCoV) infection, please contact the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) Office of Infectious Disease Epidemiology at 1-888-295-5156.
 
DCHFA will provide updates as information and prevention strategies evolve. 
Categories: Corona Virus