Wake County Identifies Third COVID-19 Outbreak at Long-Term Care Facility

Wake County has confirmed the third outbreak of COVID-19 at a long-term care facility in the county. Our Public Health team has received test results showing positive cases of the virus at Capital Nursing and Rehabilitation Care in Raleigh. No information about residents or employees within the facility will be disclosed.

“Because of the virus’ ability to spread quickly, people in co-living environments are at an increased risk of contracting COVID-19,” said Wake County Epidemiologist Dr. Nicole Mushonga. “We are working with the facility’s medical staff to answer their questions about the virus and provide guidance to protect their residents and staff.”

Wake County Public Health defines an outbreak at a long-term care facility as two or more people – residents or employees – testing positive for the virus.

The county recommends that the facility follow its guidelines, which include:

• Ensuring staff wear the appropriate personal protective equipment at all times;
• Prohibiting visitors from entering its facility;
• Restricting employees from working at other locations;
• Practicing social distancing when possible; and
• Frequently cleaning surfaces with disinfectant.

The Public Health team has also advised the center to follow new safety procedures established by EMS and local fire departments when calling for emergency assistance.

Staying Updated
Wake County has made it easy for you to stay updated on the latest information about COVID-19. You can visit our COVID-19 webpage, which has a set of frequently asked questions to educate residents in English and in Spanish, a list of COVID-19-related closures and service changes, as well as an email address and phone number that people can use to ask personal health-related questions about COVID-19.

The county is also sharing important information on its Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.