HENRICO COUNTY, Va. -- Canterbury Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center, the site of the largest COVID-19 cluster in Henrico County, reported its 16th COVID-19 related death.
"This includes five deaths over the last 24-hour period and the confirmation, via post-mortem testing, that three prior deaths involved COVID-19 positive patients," a spokesperson for the center wrote in an email.
Additionally, testing of all Canterbury residents determined 92 positive cases at the center off Gayton Road in Henrico's West End.
A majority (53) of those who tested positive are asymptomatic and showing no signs of illness, Canterbury Administrator Jeremiah Davis wrote. Thirty-nine patients who tested positive are showing symptoms that range from severe to mild. Thirty-five Canterbury residents tested negative for COVID-19.
"The medical community has acknowledged from the outset of the novel coronavirus pandemic that as testing volume increases, the number of positive COVID-19 cases will also increase," Davis wrote. "The findings at Canterbury are consistent with other recent mass testing studies."
Davis said the testing allowed Canterbury to separate those who tested positive from those who tested negative.
"Regarding our asymptomatic population, it is hopeful that many of these residents will never develop severe symptoms," he continued. "It is important to know that based on patterns observed elsewhere, many are likely to remain asymptomatic."
The Virginia Department of Health website, which is updated daily, only lists 87 positive cases in Henrio County. It is unclear how many of the 87 cases listed are among the 92 confirmed cases at Canterbury.
This is a developing story.
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.