Catawba County News

Outbreak Identified in Long-Term Care Facility

Published: July 06, 2020

Catawba County Public Health is investigating a newly identified outbreak of COVID-19 at Trinity Ridge, where 1 resident and 2 staff members have tested positive for the virus. The facility is informing patients, their family members, and staff about the situation.

This is the fifth congregate care facility outbreak identified in Catawba County. In a congregate living setting, a COVID-19 outbreak is defined as two or more laboratory-confirmed cases.

“With nearly all of our recent cases of COVID-19 resulting from contact out in the community, we are urging all residents, especially those who are caregivers, to take preventive measures,” said Catawba County Public Health Director Jennifer McCracken. “This is one of the best ways we can all work together to protect congregate care facility residents who are some of the most vulnerable people in our community.”

The facility has conducted additional testing and is working closely with Public Health to ensure control measures are in place to help prevent further spread of the disease.

Public Health is in frequent communication with facility administrators and have advised the facility on cleaning and disinfection, and other best practices for infection control, such as providing meals and separating residents.

Public Health is continuing daily monitoring of all congregate care facilities in our community in order to respond as quickly as possible to reports of potential illness.

More information about Catawba County’s COVID-19 response and recommended prevention measures can be found online at www.catawbacountync.gov.