HENRICO COUNTY, Va. – Forty-two Canterbury Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center residents have now died due to a COVID-19 outbreak at the western Henrico center.
The 84 living residents who have tested positive for the virus are being treated either at the hospital or at the center off of Gayton Road.
"Many COVID-19 positive residents are asymptomatic carriers showing no sign of being ill, while others are experiencing symptoms of the virus ranging from severe to mild," a spokesperson for the center shared.
Thirty-five Canterbury residents have tested negative for COVID-19.
In addition, 35 Canterbury healthcare workers have tested positive.
"Canterbury Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center is incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support from the Henrico community. Countless messages and gestures of kindness are uplifting all of us at an incredibly challenging time," the spokesperson continued. "Our hearts go out to the loved ones of those who have passed, and we mourn for these losses as well."
At the governor's news briefing last week, State Health Commissioner Dr. Norman Oliver was asked about the rising number of deaths at the Canterbury Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center.
Oliver praised Canterbury’s management, along with the local health department, saying they've done their best to isolate cases to keep down the spread, though clearly that has been difficult.
Governor Ralph Northam said he expected there would be an investigation into the deadly outbreak at Canterbury.
“I think the day will come in the future when people can go back and assess the various things that were done and could have been done,” said Northam.
Related: Testing failures, PPE shortage help COVID-19 infiltrate Henrico nursing home unnoticed
COVID-19 Precautions
Most patients with COVID-19 have mild to moderate symptoms. However, in a small proportion of patients, COVID-19 can lead to more severe illness, including death, particularly among those who are older or those who have chronic medical conditions.
COVID-19 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Symptoms appear within 14 days of being exposed to an infectious person.
Virginia health officials urged the following precautions:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer only if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.Stay home when you are sick.
- Avoid contact with sick people.Avoid non-essential travel.