Virginia Hospital Center’s Medical Leadership COVID-19 Update (October 26, 2020)

As a member of the Arlington community, I believe it’s important to provide my friends, family, colleagues and clients information and insight on topics unrelated to real estate and the home buying market. This Monday, Virginia Hospital Center provided an extremely informational and interesting update on the hospital’s experiences, observations and recommendations regarding COVID-19 in the Arlington, VA area. Dr. Rohit Modak, MD and Infectious Disease Specialist at VHC presented the information.

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1. Arlington didn’t see the “summer spike” that occurred in other parts of the country. We have done very well keeping confirmed cases of COVID-19 low with a positivity rate of 3-4%. This is lower than the state of VA (7-8%) and also lower than its surrounding counties. Dr. Modak contributed this to our slow re-opening plan and good social distancing and mask wearing practices.
2. We must avoid “pandemic fatigue” to halt this increase in cases. Hospitalized cases peaked at VHC in early May 2020 at just over 100 people. By the end of June, numbers decreased down to 15 cases where it remained until last week’s increase. Currently, there are 35 hospitalized people infected with COVID-19. If we become complacent, cases will rise. It is extremely important to stay vigilant and continue to follow guidelines. Wear a mask PROPERLY, get your flu shot to avoid compromising your immune system, wash your hands and social distance. Remember, the best treatment is prevention!
3. Limit holiday travel and gatherings and indoor meetings.  The colder weather will force people indoors. Not wearing masks when social distancing isn’t possible has the medical profession concerned. Dr. Modak recommends gathering outside, if possible, or spending limited time inside with others. If you are travelling to be with family, keep your risk low and quarantine 14 days before. Car travel is also recommended over airplanes or mass transit options.
4. Dr. Modak’s Top 5 Rules to Reduce the Spread spells M.O.D.A.K.  Wear a Mask, gather Outside, social Distance, Avoid crowds, and Know your risk. You should always strive to meet at least three of the five items.
5. VHC is a safe place to seek medical care. To date, VHC has a very low rate of positive COVID cases amongst their staff! This is a result of adequate PPE, strict hand-washing and social distancing protocols, and immediate contact tracing. The hospital is safe. PPE is working. If you need hospitalized care for any reason, you should feel confident knowing you will be safe, too.

We are committed to keeping our clients safe, happy and healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic. The real estate industry has successfully adapted to the new COVID-19 environment to keep buyers, sellers and investors healthy. We are complying with CDC standards to implement clear protocols real estate agents must follow. These guidelines keep homes clean and safe for everyone entering them and for those living in them.

703-798-1803 | marybeth@magnificentmanors.com | www.magnificentmanors.com