ICYMI: With the onset of respiratory illness season and reported outbreaks of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses, DSS distributed a memo with reminders about outbreak reporting and mitigation strategies.

When and how to report: Outbreaks should be reported to your licensing representative and the VDH within 24 hours of the occurrence.

• VDH provides two options for reporting suspected outbreaks. Outbreaks can be reported to your Local Health District by contacting them directly or by using the Suspected Outbreak Reporting Portal.

What to report: Any unusual level of activity of any illness that might be spread from one person to another or that might be caused by a common exposure should be reported as a suspected outbreak to VDH.

• According to VDH, there is no strict or specific number of cases that need to occur for most communicable diseases to be considered an outbreak.
• VDH may schedule a site visit following reporting to provide mitigation recommendations tailored to your community. You are encouraged to participate in these site visits to promote the best outcomes for residents and staff.

Providers with suspected or confirmed outbreaks of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses should be coordinating with VDH regarding implementation of mitigation strategies, including management of staff with infection or exposure to infections and returning to work.

Best practice: When determining return to work criteria for staff with COVID-19 infection, the CDC and VDH recommend facilities follow conventional strategies.