Orange County Legislative Delegation Statement On News Of COVID-19 Spread At Long-Term Care Facility

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State Senator Valerie Foushee and State Representatives Graig Meyer & Verla Insko Respond To COVID-19 Cases At PruittHealth-Carolina Point

ORANGE COUNTY – Following the news of 60 coronavirus cases reported at PruittHealth-Carolina Point today, State Senator Valerie Foushee (Orange, Chatham) and State Representatives Graig Meyer (Orange, Caswell) and Verla Insko (Orange) released the following statement:

“First and foremost, we want to extend our most sincere sympathy to the residents and staff at PruittHealth’s Carolina Point facility. We also understand how this must feel to their concerned families who are learning this news.

“As we work together to address this, we have full faith and trust in the ability of Orange County Health Department, UNC Health, and Duke Health to respond to the needs of the people at Pruitt and their families.

“We want to express our deep appreciation for all of the health care professionals that are working tirelessly to provide quality care to our community. We also want to thank Governor Cooper and Secretary Cohen for their leadership during this time.

“It is incumbent on everyone in Orange County and across North Carolina to be diligent in following Governor Cooper and Secretary Cohen’s guidelines of staying at home, social distancing, and proper hygiene practices. We all play a vital role in slowing the spread of this disease.”

Governor Cooper and Secretary Cohen released additional guidance today for long-term care facilities to protect residents and staff, including requiring all nursing home staff to wear masks when interacting with patients, requiring facilities to close communal areas and restrict all nonessential personnel, screening staff and residents daily for symptoms, and requiring notification to local health departments of new or suspected cases. Facilities should also group those who have tested positive in a separate area to isolate the spread of COVID-19.

Additional guidance for long-term care facilities is available from the CDC.