Lake Anne Fellowship House ‘Proactively’ Handling COVID-19 Case

As it approaches its 60th anniversary, Lake Anne Fellowship House is proactive aiming to limit the spread of COVID-19 at the independent living facility. So far, the fellowship house has had only five COVID-19 cases across four of its Fellowship House communities.

The recent diagnosis of a vendor in late October, however, concerned some residents who told Reston Now they were anxious to find out who the vendor may have had close contact with.

Staff say they have proactively handled the situation and ensured all necessary steps are taken, including identifying staff who came in contact with the vendor. Shelley Ducker, the organization’s communications coordinator told Reston Now, residents were notified of the case promptly on Oct. 29.

“We reminded residents that ‘in addition to our adoption of aggressive precautionary measures to avoid COVID-19 at Fellowship House… we also proactively developed an action plan to manage a diagnosed case,'” Ducker wrote in a statement.

Ducker says staff are working hard to protect residents and follow guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Residents are recommended to stay in their apartments or limit trips in and out of the building to avoid contact with others. Residents can also contact the organization’s service coordinator if they are in need of food or other necessities.

“While it is important to note that Fellowship Square Foundation is independent living (as opposed to assisted care facilities), we have not only made safety a key priority, we are also supporting residents to ensure they have the essentials they need. We help to ensure that independent does not mean alone,” Ducker said.

As the pandemic continues, staff hope to celebrate Fellowship Square’s 60th anniversary in pandemic-friendly ways. Staff has delivered cupcakes to each resident. And given out goodies like hand sanitizers. A “Stay Home and Celebrate” anniversary event is planned for Dec. 2.