Coronavirus Exposure Identified At Alexandria Summer Camp

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Families involved in a summer camp at Nannie J. Lee Memorial Recreation Center in Alexandria were notified of a coronavirus case, and participating children were advised to self-quarantine.

J-Lynn Van Pelt, whose daughter was at the camp, said the program was for families of first responders and included a therapeutic recreation program for children with developmental and intellectual disabilities. She was notified of the coronavirus case at the camp and that her daughter was exposed on three days — July 27, 28 and 29.

That meant her daughter would have to self-quarantine until Aug. 12, two weeks after the exposure. She said 44 children at the camp, including her daughter, have been exposed.

While the camp was set up to follow heath guidelines like physical distancing, masks, keeping groups separate, the call from the health department suggested the entire camp could have been exposed.

"I love the staff at Nanny J. Lee and know they did the best they could," wrote Van Pelt in a message to Patch. "But, there are dozens of first responders and special needs families having to self-isolate right now and without child care alternatives."

The city did not confirm the exposure at the summer camp. In an email to Patch, city spokesperson Craig Fifer said the city and health department do not share information on coronavirus cases "beyond a public health need to know." The health department identifies and notifies close contacts.

The only times when the city notified the public about potential exposures were cases at Virginia Theological Seminary's Immanuel Chapel in late February and March, and Murphy's Irish Pub in March. The public was informed about both cases because all close contacts could not be identified.

Van Pelt believes the policy on notifying the public on large exposures has to change. She says there is a "false sense of safety" in returning to work and sending kids to child care when these exposures aren't being shared publicly.

Fifer said the therapeutic recreation summer camp at Nannie J. Lee ran from July 6 to July 31.