CHARLOTTE AMALIE — The Virgin Islands Department of Human Services (DHS), today confirmed that it closed the Knud Hansen Complex on Thursday after two employees tested positive for COVID-19.
While the building is not unsafe, DHS is closing the building to ensure staff can maintain social distancing while testing and other enhanced protocols are arranged,” according to the news release.
“All other DHS facilities on St. Thomas and across the territory remain open and operational.”
The Meals on Wheels and Homemaker Services will continue to provide client services to the community while adhering to all health and safety protocols, and drop boxes will remain open and available for application drop-offs.
The department restricted client access to Human Services department sites in March and “a screening survey and temperature checks already in place at residential facilities, will now be required at ALL DHS facilities across the territory,” according to the news release.
“All staff and close contacts of the affected units are being notified to ensure their safety within the parameters of HIPAA guidelines. Additionally, DHS is working to provide support for staff members. The Department of Human Services requests prayers for all their staff, on the front lines, daily caring for members of the public.”
The Knud Hansen Complex will re-open on Monday after being cleaned over the weekend.
Please visit www.dhs.vi.gov to access our listing of key contacts on the home page.
With the notification of the confirmed COVID positive test, DHS, in conjunction with the Department of Health, has initiated emergency response protocols that include widespread self monitoring and testing of those who were in direct contact with the impacted staff person, appropriate notifications and continued distancing protocols.
CURRENT ACTIONS BEING TAKEN
• Specific staff members of the impacted unit have been advised and asked to quarantine until they get a negative result from testing.
• A notification was sent to all staff advising of the COVID19 positive result of one of the team members.
• DHS has arranged for testing of all DOH identified PUIs within the auspices of DHS through the Department of Health.
• Cleaning and sanitization protocols, in line with Department of Health and CDC guidance, have been initiated.
DHS encourages all staff and members of the public to maintain CDC best practices to prevent the spread of COVID-19:
• Wear your mask (covering your nose and mouth while in the workplace).
• Maintain social distance.
• Wash your hands with soap for 20 seconds, often.
• Wear appropriate other PPE while in contact with other staff or clients.
• Use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol when you cannot your wash hands.
• Routinely clean and disinfect frequently used surfaces.
• Share FACTS, not rumors.
The Department of Human Services requests prayers for all their staff, on the front lines, daily
caring for members of the public.
For contact phone numbers and additional information, please visit the Department of Human
Services website, www.dhs.gov.vi or on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/usvidhs) at U.S.
Virgin Islands Department of Human Services.