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FRANKLIN

Bon Secours East Pavilion nursing home in Franklin is reporting an outbreak of COVID-19.

According to Bon Secours spokeswoman Jenna Green, there are currently 29 residents and 13 employees at East Pavilion who have tested positive for COVID-19. Site-specific data published on the Virginia Department of Health’s website indicates the outbreak was first reported Oct. 2, and no COVID-19 fatalities to-date.

“Out of an abundance of caution, we are testing every associate and resident for COVID-19,” Green said. “In order to protect the safety and well-being of our residents and associates at Bon Secours East Pavilion, we are transferring residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 to area hospitals for further treatment and evaluation until they can safely be discharged. All residents remaining at our facility remain isolated in his or her room.”

Green further emphasized that the facility is following guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, as well as the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid and the Virginia Department of Health.

“East Pavilion remains a safe place to live, work and seek care,” she said.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, visitation at East Pavilion has been restricted.

“Until a safe reopening is made possible, we are grateful for the continued understanding and patience of the community,” Green said. “We are offering a variety of alternative options to ensure families are still able to connect with their loved one through window visits, FaceTime, Zoom and phone calls.”

East Pavilion is one of 11 long-term care facilities in the Western Tidewater Health District to report an outbreak of COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic.