BRC Team Member Tests Positive for COVID-19

Today, a team member notified Bridgewater Retirement Community (BRC) leadership that she has tested positive for COVID-19. BRC has taken immediate action in coordination with the Virginia Department of Health to respond to the situation and ensure that recommended protocols are diligently implemented.

The team member, who works in Harmony House nursing household, was asymptomatic while at work and last worked at BRC on Sunday, April 5. She wore a face mask during her shift in accordance with BRC policy. She sought health care for what she thought was a sinus infection on Monday, when her provider recommended a COVID-19 test. She has been proactive in communicating fully with BRC.

Family members of Harmony residents are being notified.

BRC has taken immediate action in accordance with its COVID-19 pandemic plan with protocols that include:

• Residents in the household are quarantined in their rooms.
• Team members who came into contact with the affected person have been asked not to report to work and to self-isolate per BRC protocol.
• Team members who currently work in the Harmony household are using a different entrance from all other team members.
• BRC has prepared for the possibility of resident infection by designating a COVID-19 isolation suite in a secured section of our building.

“The health and safety of our residents and team members remain our highest priority,” says BRC President Rodney Alderfer. “Our team member has our love and support as she faces this challenge, and we are doing absolutely everything possible to continue to protect all others in our community.”

Beginning March 13, BRC has implemented strict prevention measures to protect its community from COVID-19. Team members are screened for COVID-19 symptoms at the beginning of every shift, including having their temperatures taken. Surfaces are sanitized frequently, and droplet control measures are in place. Visitors are prohibited, with secondary entrances to the BRC neighborhood closed since March 20. Dining venues, beauty shops, and other gathering places were closed beginning March 19. Beginning on March 27, all team members have been wearing face masks whenever their work requires them to be within six feet of a resident. In addition, all team members wear face coverings while in common areas throughout BRC’s 55-acre campus. Protocols continue to be updated according to current guidance from the CDC, CMS, VDH, and other health agencies.

For more information on BRC’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, see brcliving.org/covid19.