outbreak

COVID-19 Outbreak Reported at Angelica Nurseries in Kennedyville

March 22, 2021 by Spy Desk

A large increase in COVID-19 cases in Kent County, and the county’s high positivity rate, has been attributed to an outbreak among workers at a Kennedyville wholesale nursery.

On Wednesday, March 17, the Kent County Health Department (KCHD) was informed by Choptank Community Health System that 53 employees had tested positive for COVID-19 at Angelica Nurseries in Kennedyville, according to a KCHD statement posted Friday to Facebook.

Another 25 have been exposed but had tested negative, according to the statement. Five individuals had been hospitalized; two had been released.

“Angelica Nurseries has been working closely with KCHD and a multi agency team of healthcare providers to respond to the situation,” William Webb, Kent County’s health officer, said in the statement. “Management has been fully cooperative and engaged in addressing the healthcare needs of their employees and the risk this poses to the community.

“Their leadership has been receptive to the guidance offered by the Kent County Health Department, the Maryland Department of Health, University of Maryland Shore Regional Health, and Choptank Community Health.”

The Kent County Health Department has delivered personal protective equipment (PPE) and disinfection supplies, and is assisting the business with implementing enhanced safety protocols.

At this time, contact tracing indicates that the outbreak is contained to those residing on the grounds of Angelica Nurseries or its affiliated properties.

“I implore our community to continue to take this virus seriously and be vigilant to prevent its spread,” Webb said. “Continue to wear your mask, maintain at least six feet of distance, wash your hands frequently, and get the vaccine when it is your turn.

“We have been at this for a year and I know we are all tired of this message, but now is not the time to let down our guard.”

For more information, visit:

• Maryland Department of Health: covidlink.maryland.gov

• Kent County Health Department (kenthd.org): Testing offered Tuesdays by appointment, call 410-778-1350.

Report: Coronavirus Outbreak Unites Tangier Island Residents

December 22, 2020 by Spy Desk

The Washington Post reports today on the effect of a coronavirus outbreak on Tangier Island:

“Across the United States, the pandemic has divided people. Here it has united them. As Americans elsewhere argue over mask mandates, business closures and vaccines, Tangier has carried out a lockdown stricter than those in many large liberal cities. Face coverings are not only required in public spaces indoors; their use outdoors is widespread.

“Despite their support for a president who has flouted the guidance of public-health experts, Tangier residents have achieved what many communities have not: voluntary and near-universal adherence to social distancing guidelines. The island’s one school and two churches have closed, as have most businesses.”

Resident at Chestertown Nursing Home Dies from COVID-19

April 20, 2020 by John Griep

One resident at Autumn Lake Healthcare at Chestertown has died after testing positive for COVID-19, according to county health officials. Another resident is hospitalized with the virus, and 10 more residents and three staff members also have tested positive.

A “Go Team” with Maryland National Guardsmen and disaster medical assistance personnel from the Maryland Department of Health and Human Services was activated and responded Sunday to the facility, according to a press release from the Kent County Health Department. The team was at the facility from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday.

“We are appreciative of Gov. Hogan’s decision to make these ‘Go Teams’ available to assist Maryland nursing homes,” William Webb, Kent County’s health officer, said in the press release. “Autumn Lake Healthcare is following recommendations from the ‘Go Team’ and the infection control guidelines of the Maryland Department of Health. Our organizations are in daily communication and we will continue to provide support to the residents, their families, and facility staff during this time.”

Autumn Lake had previously put into place prevention measures according to state and federal guidance, including restricting visitation and communal dining, suspending group activities, taking extra cleaning measures, and conducting daily checks for symptoms of residents and staff members, according to the press release.

During an outbreak, the facility must elevate its infection control practices and delivered items must be inspected and disinfected, according to the health department. For this reason, Autumn Lake, in conjunction with the health department, has asked that families do not drop off food, clothing, or other personal effects for residents.

“I implore everyone to take this virus seriously and be vigilant to prevent its spread,” Webb said in the statement. “Our highest priority is to keep everyone safe and we must take every step possible to protect our most vulnerable.”

Autumn Lake Healthcare at Chestertown describes itself on its website as “a state-of-the-art nursing center brimming with small-town heart. In addition to subacute rehabilitation, we are known for our excellence in long-term care, providing round-the-clock skilled nursing for a wide range of complex medical conditions.”

Information on COVID-19 may be found on the state’s website at coronavirus.maryland.gov or the county health department’s website at kenthd.org

The health department operates a call center at 410-778-1350 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

The health department will not disclose individual information about Autumn Lake residents. The status of each resident is being communicated to the primary contact on file with Autumn Lake.

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