Alamance County Health Department has identified an outbreak at two locations of the long-term care facility Springview Assisted Living in Burlington. Currently, three (3) cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed at the Springview Ross Building. The confirmed cases are among two (2) residents and one (1) staff. At the Springview Brock Building, the confirmed cases are among two (2) staff. NC DHHS defines an outbreak as two laboratory-confirmed cases in a period of 28 days within a congregate living or long-term care facility. Regular testing is required through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in order to provide surveillance as protective factor for both staff and residents.
“Springview has routinely tested staff and will continue to test weekly,” stated Administrator Beverly Dix McHugh. “We also continue to monitor residents’ temperatures, oxygen levels and screen for any and all symptoms.”
“Alamance County Health Department has collaborated with Springview Assisted Living to offer testing and guidance to mitigate the outbreak as quickly as possible in order to keep staff, residents, and our community safe,” stated Health Director Tony Lo Giudice. “We will continue to work with the facility by conducting surveillance testing and continuing communication between the Health Department, hospital partners and the facility.”
Alamance County Health Department identified its first confirmed case of COVID-19 on March 20. Since then, a total of 8032 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the community. Of those confirmed cases, 7133 have been released from isolation and 778 remain active and in isolation. Included in those active cases, 39 individuals are receiving care at a hospital. Sadly, there have been 121 COVID-19 related deaths. COVID-related deaths include only patients who tested positive for the novel coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19, and who died without fully recovering from the disease.
COVID-19 cases are continuing to rise in Alamance and surrounding counties. It is important to take steps to reduce your risks of contracting COVID-19, specifically wearing a face covering, maintaining physical distance and avoiding crowds, and washing your hands and cleaning commonly used surfaces regularly. During this holiday season, limit travel and limit physical contact with people who do not live in your household. The health of you, your loved ones, and the community are what matters.