Responding to a COVID-19 Outbreak at a Long-Term Care Facility

Abstract

This article describes an outbreak of COVID-19 in a long-term care facility (LTCF) in West Virginia that was the epicenter of the state’s pandemic. Beginning with the index case, we describe the sequential order of procedures undertaken by the facility including testing, infection control, treatment, and communication with facility residents, staff, and family members. We also describe the lessons learned during the process and provide recommendations for handling an outbreak at other LTCFs.