Staff Members and Residents Test Positive for COVID-19; Nursing Homes Enhance Infection Control Procedures

For Immediate Release: Friday, March 27, 2020

           Three nursing homes in Montgomery County are enhancing infection control procedures after staff members and residents tested positive for COVID-19.

           Brighton Gardens on Tuckerman Lane in Bethesda is enhancing infection control procedures after three residents tested positive for COVID-19. As a result of an investigation by County public health officials, those staff members identified as an exposure risk are self-quarantining. The residents, two men in their 80s, and one man in his 60s, are currently hospitalized. Residents are being monitored for signs of fever and cough and will be tested as needed per CDC testing guidelines. Enhanced procedures include temperature checks twice daily for residents and staff and continued monitoring for symptoms, physical separation of residents to lower risk of exposure, no new admissions, and no group gatherings or activities. Visitor restrictions have been in place for several weeks, so it is believed that any potential exposure is limited to only staff and residents. Brighton Gardens provides assisted living and skilled nursing services.

            After a staff member at Fox Chase Rehab and Nursing in Silver Spring tested positive for COVID-19, the facility has enhanced infection control procedures as well. The affected staff person is self-quarantining. Enhanced procedures include temperature checks twice daily for residents and staff and continued monitoring for symptoms, physical separation of residents to lower risk of exposure, no new admissions, and no group gatherings or activities. The staff member resides in a neighboring jurisdiction, but County public health staff is assisting in a contact investigation. To date, no signs of illness in residents or additional staff have been identified. Relevant staff members have been advised to self-quarantine. Visitor restrictions have been in place for several weeks so it is believed that any potential exposure is limited to only staff and residents. 

          A staff member at the Fairland Center on Fairland Road in Silver Spring has tested positive for COVID-19 and the facility has enhanced infection control procedures as well. The affected staff person is self-quarantining. As a result of an investigation by public health officials, those staff members identified as an exposure risk are self-quarantining. Enhanced procedures include temperature checks twice daily for residents and staff and continued monitoring for symptoms, physical separation of residents to lower risk of exposure, no new admissions, and no group gatherings or activities. The staff member resides in a neighboring jurisdiction, but County public health staff is assisting in a contact investigation. To date, no signs of illness in residents or additional staff have been identified and no residents or staff members have been advised to self-quarantine. Visitor restrictions have been in place for several weeks, so it is believed that any potential exposure is limited to only staff and residents. 

         “We continue to closely follow these individuals and are working with the facilities to monitor any additional signs of illness,” said County Health Officer Dr. Travis Gayles. “We continue to urge everyone in the community to follow these practices to stay well and protect those most vulnerable: do not go out unless necessary, do not gather in groups of more than 10 people, maintain distance between you and others, stay home if you are sick and wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. We continue to provide guidance to nursing homes and long-term care facilities and have regular communication with them as they navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.”

         For the latest COVID-19 updates, visit the County’s COVID-19 website and follow Montgomery County on Facebook @MontgomeryCountyInfo and Twitter @MontgomeryCoMD.

# # # 

Release ID: 20-139
Media Contact: Julie Parker 240-777-6507