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ST.THOMAS — The V.I. Department of Human Services confirmed on Wednesday that it was immediately closing the Knud Hansen Complex in St. Thomas after a staff member tested positive for Covid-19.
"DHS is currently working with the Virgin Islands Department of Health Division of Epidemiology to ensure contact tracing and staff members have been referred to Pop-Up testing sites," according to the release.
The building will be closed on both Wednesday, June 16 and Thursday, June 17 in order to activate Covid-19 mitigation protocols, D.H.S. said. Additionally, while D.H.S. cleans the facility and works with the Department of Health on contact tracing, the Knud Hansen facility will remain closed, the department further stated.
In the meantime, the public is asked to reach D.H.S. through the following numbers (area code 340):
- 725-5697 Division of Family Assistance (SNAP, TANF)
- 774-2399 Division of Family Assistance (SNAP, TANF)
- 643-1016 Office of Residential & Interstate Compact Affairs
- 244-7861 Disabilities & Rehabilitation Services
- 244-4360 Intake & Emergency Services
- 727-5454 Community Affairs Coordinator
- 725-6198 Medicaid (Eligibility)
- 725-5671 Medicaid (Eligibility)
- 725-5671 Medicaid (Provider Relations)
- 473-5794 Foster Care
- 423-4061 Adult Protective Services
- 725-6211 Meals on Wheels
- 725-7231 Youth Rehabilitation Services / Group Home
- 244-4360 Head Start
- 774-4326 Senior Citizens Affairs
- 725-5691 Childcare & Regulatory Services
All other D.H.S. offices will continue their normal operations, according to the release. Employees that are identified as persons under investigation by D.OH. must produce a Covid-19 negative test before returning to work.
With the notification of the confirmed Covid positive test, D.H.S., in conjunction with D.O.H., 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, according to the release.
Current actions being taken
- A notification was sent to all staff advising of the COVID-19 positive results.
- DHS has referred staff to Pop-Up testing sites.
- The facility has been and will continue to be cleaned and sanitized according to protocol.
- DHS Covid-19 mitigation protocols continue to be emphasized with staff and include, masking of all staff, temperatures being taken before staff can enter the facility, self-attestation regarding potential exposure etc.
The virus that causes Covid-19 is spread between people who are in close contact with one another (about 6 feet). The virus is spread through respiratory droplets that are produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks.
