COVID-19 Update | April 11, 2022

Mask Guidance is based upon the COVID positive transmission rates in each county as per the CDC tracking and local reporting of positive cases.  As of today, Kanawha County is considered by the CDC to have moderate positivity rates for COVID.  With this in mind, Residents and Guests who are “up to date” (fully vaccinated and boosted) may now choose whether or not to wear Masks while in common area indoor settings.  Masks will remain optional as long as positivity rates remain low.  If rates rise at a later date and masks are required, an update will be provided.  A surge is occurring in some states caused by the Omicron variant BA.2.  West Virginia is currently experiencing declining rates of positive cases, which is subject to change.

Employees, private contractors, caregivers, volunteers and students are still required to wear masks in all areas in which Residents are present.  All Employees, private contractors, caregivers, volunteers, etc. are now required to get a first Booster dose of COVID vaccine within 30 days of eligibility.

The guidance for prevention of COVID continues to emphasize to everyone to follow the following guidance:

  1. Stay Up to Date with all Vaccinations – the CDC recommends COVID vaccinations include first and second doses of vaccine along with a Booster dose when eligible.  For those aged 50 and older, a second Booster dose of vaccine is now available.  In addition, those who are higher risk for serious underlying conditions are urged to get a second Booster. 
  2. Get Tested – for those who have symptoms related to COVID, you are encouraged to get tested.  Symptoms can include:  fever, sore throat, coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue, nausea, etc.  Getting tested and quarantining yourself while you await the results is recommended.  If you test positive, isolating yourself for a period of at least 10 days from your positive COVID test is best.  Your symptoms should be improving or resolved prior to interacting with others.
  3. Quarantine if necessary – if you have been exposed to someone being tested for COVID or is positive for COVID, you are asked to quarantine and get tested within 24-48 hours.  If you are symptom free and test negative and up to date with vaccinations, you can re-test in 5-7 days.