Responding to a COVID-19 Outbreak at a Long-Term Care Facility
Carl D. Shrader, Shauna Assadzandi, Courtney Pilkerton, Amie M. Ashcraft
Abstract
This article describes an outbreak of COVID-19 in a long-term care facility (LTCF) in West Virginia that was the epicenter of the state's pandemic. Beginning with the index case, we describe the sequential order of procedures undertaken by the facility including testing, infection control, treatment, and communication with facility residents, staff, and family members. We also describe the lessons learned during the process and provide recommendations for handling an outbreak at other LTCFs.
Topics & Concepts
Long-term careOutbreakCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)Pandemic2019-20 coronavirus outbreakSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)Term (time)Skilled Nursing FacilityMedicineMedical emergencyGerontologyNursingVirologyDiseasePathologyPhysicsInfectious disease (medical specialty)Quantum mechanicsGeriatric Care and Nursing HomesCOVID-19 and healthcare impactsDisaster Response and Management