West Virginia and Kanawha County are seeing an increase in positive COVID rates once again in large part to the Omicron variant BA.2. This new variant is more contagious and therefore has a quicker ability to spread from person to person. The positivity rate is an increase of upwards of 9.0 percent per day and is considered to have a moderately high risk.
This new uptick in positive cases has also impacted Edgewood Summit. In the past 10 days, we have seen 4 Residents and 2 Staff test positive. All are expected to have a full recovery.
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 moderately high positivity rates for COVID. With this in mind, Residents and Guests who are “up to date” (fully vaccinated and boosted) are encouraged to once again wear Masks while in common area indoor settings. If rates lower at a later date, masks can be made optional again.
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Thank you.