Botetourt Health Dept informational update

March 23, 2020 Reader Submission

Dear RCAHD Stakeholder,

As of March 20th, 2,325 Virginians have been tested for novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), and we have 114 cases statewide. To date we have one case in the Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts (RCAHD). The patient is at the Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital and the health department is tracing relevant contacts of the patient. The prevention recommendations remain the same: social distancing, hand hygiene, cough etiquette, clean and sanitize surfaces, and staying home if you are sick.

To limit potential COVID-19 exposure for our staff and clients, and to allow our staff to respond to this pandemic, Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts (RCAHD) has activated our Continuity of Operations plan. All visitors to the health departments must be clear of a fever and respiratory symptoms, and should expect to be screened and wash their hands upon entry. We are limiting access to the building to patients (and a guardian, if the patient is under 18.) We understand this may be difficult, but we ask the public to please do what they can to plan accordingly.

RCAHD is modifying our medical clinic operations as well as environmental and vital records services at all district locations effective immediately and subject to change. We encourage patients to call their health department to find out more information. Please find specifics below:

Program Services:

Clinic services including Immunizations, STIs, and Family Planning will see urgent needs. Others will be postponed. Services will be delivered by phone, virtually, and handled on a case by case basis. Prescriptions will be refilled by phone where possible.

Home visiting and case management services will continue where possible via telephone or other virtual methods.
Nutrition education classes and some appointments for WIC services will be provided remotely via phone, mail, or email during this time.

Early Intervention is being handled case by case as partner organization resources allow for children currently receiving services through the program. Early Intervention initial intakes/screenings will be conducted by phone. Initial assessments are moving toward telehealth.
STI testing and treatment will be prioritized for individuals with symptoms and maternity clients.
REVIVE! Classes and car seat classes will be postponed.

Client Interaction:

Whenever feasible, client service will be conducted across a counter with six feet of separation.
Patients/clients are reminded that if they are feeling ill, have a fever, cough or respiratory symptoms they should delay their visit. Visitors will be screened for these symptoms when entering an office.
Clients are encouraged to call in to schedule a time to visit the office to obtain vital records.
Funeral Homes are encouraged to fax or email requests whenever feasible or at minimum reduce their visit to once per day. Additionally, payments over the phone are encouraged and preferred.

Environmental Health Office Services:

All Environmental Health Office Services will be provided remotely via phone, fax, mail, or email whenever possible. Our Environmental Health staff will prioritize the following services:

∙ Rabies Investigations

∙ Processing Private Well Applications for those out of water

∙ Environmental Complaints that pose an immediate and acute public health threat

Including compliance with the Public Health Emergency Order limiting the number of patrons in a food establishment to 10.

∙ Enforcement and/or consultation for priority violations at food establishments

∙ Inspections to open permitted facilities such as migrant labor camps

∙ Private Sector Onsite Sewage & Well Permit applications and inspections

The Office of Environmental Health Services (OEHS) has provided information specific to Food Establishments, Onsite Sewage System workers, and Private Well users related to COVID-19. Up-to-date information including guidance and posters can be found at: http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-health/

Contact Information:

For specific questions about program services please contact your local health department:

Alleghany/Covington Health Department: 962-2173
Botetourt County Health Department: 473-8240
Clifton Forge Health Department: 962-2173
Craig County Health Department: 864-5136
Roanoke City Health Department: 283-5050
Roanoke County/Salem Health Department: 387-5530
Roanoke County/Vinton Health Department: 857-7800

The COVID-19 Pandemic is a rapidly evolving situation. For the latest information on COVID-19 please use the following websites:

Virginia Department of Health (VDH) – www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV

World Health Organization (WHO) – www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

RCAHD, VDH, CDC, and WHO also have active social media pages. If you are on social media please like these pages and help us by sharing posts from these trusted sources.

RCAHD has established a regional call center, available Monday – Friday from 8:00 am – 6:00 pm at 1-855-949-8378.

If you know of someone who would like to volunteer to support our public health response, please direct them to www.vamrc.org.

Thank you for your support.

Keep calm, wash your hands, and we will get through this by working together

Kristin Adkins, Population Health Manager,Roanoke City & Alleghany Health Districts