First Presumptive Coronavirus Case Identified In Falls Church

FALLS CHURCH, VA — The Fairfax County Health Department has confirmed the first presumptive positive case of new coronavirus, or COVID-19, in the City of Falls Church. The patient is a resident of The Kensington Falls Church, an assisted living and memory care facility on West Broad Street.

The patient has been in isolation since he began showing symptoms of respiratory illness on March 14. Specimens were collected for testing on March 16 and sent to the state laboratory.

Seven other individuals at The Kensington who were showing symptoms tested negative for COVID-19. According to a statement from The Kensington, a staff member called off Friday, has been tested and is awaiting results. Another staff member was told to leave after developing a fever, has been tested and is awaiting results.

"When COVID-19 occurs in a setting where there are many older people with underlying health conditions, we are concerned," said Dr. Gloria Addo-Ayensu, health director at the Fairfax County Health Department. "We’ll be working very closely with the facility over the coming days to protect other residents and staff and prevent further spread."

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The Kensington and the health department are working together on steps to prevent further spread. The health department deployed an infection control team to the facility to identify the potential source of exposure. The team is evaluating all staff and providing them with personal protective equipment, interviewing residents and staff members to assess illness and exposure, collecting specimens for residents or staff showing symptoms, and giving guidance on isolation, self-quarantine and cleaning of the facility.

"Our team has been working diligently since November 1 to ensure our infection control processes are strong and in place," said Amy Feather, executive director of The Kensington Falls Church. "Residents have been monitored daily for fever and respiratory symptoms since news of the spread of COVID-19 became public. In addition, team members have been monitored for symptoms of flu and COVID-19 at the start of their shifts. Anyone with symptoms has been sent home, asked to contact their physician and to monitor their symptoms."

The community had already limited visitors and cancelled events and outings per guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Staff has been sanitizing within the community with a focus on high traffic areas. Deliveries are restricted to outside entrances. The Kensington also asked families to not take residents outside the community and arranged virtual ways for families to connect. In addition, all but critical doctor appointments were canceled for residents.

"The virus has now hit home for our community as it has for so many communities around our country and around the world," said City of Falls Church Mayor David Tarter in a statement. "It underscores just how serious this pandemic is, and the importance of following the recommendations and mandates of our health care professionals."

COVID-19 can range from mild to severe respiratory illness, sometimes leading to death. Individuals with chronic medical conditions as well as older adults are at higher risk for developing severe illness. On Tuesday, Gov. Ralph Northam urged residents 65 and older as well as those with chronic medical conditions to self-quarantine for protection against COVID-19.

COVID-19 is thought to spread primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms of fever, cough, and difficulty breathing and can appear two to 14 days after exposure.

The Fairfax County Health Department recommends the following measures to help prevent the spread of respiratory illness:

• Individuals at increased risk for severe illness, including pregnant women, older adults and persons of any age with underlying health conditions should avoid non-essential travel and public gatherings.
• Avoid travel to all areas where there are outbreaks of COVID-19.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer only if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• If you are mildly sick with a fever, stay home except to get medical care.
• Those with high risk factors and who have fever or new or worsening cough, should consider contacting their providers earlier when they are sick. Call ahead to let them know of your symptoms.
• Always check with trusted sources for the latest accurate information about COVID-19.

For public health information on the new coronavirus, follow the Fairfax County Health Department, Virginia Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Questions can be directed to the Fairfax County coronavirus line at 703-267-3511 from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays and 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. The City of Falls Church has set up a public information line at 703-248-5200, available weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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