A resident at an independent living retirement community in Williamsburg has tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Representatives at WindsorMeade, 3900 Windsor Hall Drive, said they received confirmation of the positive test result Saturday.
But it started March 15 when the resident notified a member of WindsorMeade’s health care team of experiencing “potential symptoms of coronavirus.”
The resident immediately self-isolated in their apartment, and remains there under quarantine.
WindsorMeade did not say whether the resident was a man or woman. They also did not provide an age.
WindsorMeade’s health care team and medical director have been in contact with the Virginia Department of Health’s Peninsula Health District, according to the company’s statement.
Working within guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the resident received medical care at Sentara Hospital where the resident was tested for COVID-19.
“Our healthcare team is working closely with the Peninsula Health District to limit exposure to other residents, team members, families and volunteers,” said Chris Henderson, CEO of Pinnacle Living, which operates WindsorMeade. “Early indications from health department officials are that potential spread of the virus is minimal, because of the precautions already in place, but we must continue to practice self-isolation. Our healthcare team has communicated with the limited number of residents and team members we believe may have been in contact with the resident to communicate and implement interventions as directed by the health department or other health professionals. We expect officials from the Virginia Department of Health to contact those individuals as well.”
WindsorMeade said it will continue will continue to take appropriate precautionary measures.
Visitation restrictions will remain in place. All dining venues remain closed, group events and programs continue to be canceled and WindsorMeade staff continue to deep clean common areas and health services areas in the community, according to a news release.
It’s unclear whether this positive case was included in Saturday’s update from the Virginia Department of Health.
As of Saturday, James City County has 20 positive cases of the coronavirus (COVID 19), Williamsburg has 4, York County has 3 and Newport News has 2.
On Friday, there were 114 cases in Virginia with 19 cases in James City County, 4 in Williamsburg, 3 in York County and 1 in Newport News.
The two coronavirus-related deaths in the state were in the Peninsula.
“We’re not releasing the age and gender of the individual to protect the resident’s privacy,” said Kent Jennings Brockwell, communications director of Madison + Main and spokesman for WindsorMeade.
“Pretty much everybody is self-isolating,” he added.
The facility’s common areas closed prior to the announcement.
“Common areas closed on March 16, 2020 at 3 p.m.” he wrote in a text message Saturday. “Visitation restrictions started March 13.”
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