COVID-19 Update-December 30, 2021
Westminster Canterbury Richmond residents and staff have worked hard for nearly two years to reduce risk of COVID-19 infections. We acknowledge the strain that the pandemic has placed on our residents, our workforce and on our recruiting efforts. We thank you for your kindness and patience for our employees, and for each other.
Our current level of exposure has occurred primarily because of off-campus gatherings this holiday season. In order to stay as safe as possible, we highly discourage gatherings for New Year’s Eve.
As the level of community transmission of COVID-19 rises once again in our region, Westminster Canterbury is carefully monitoring the situation. Unfortunately, there have been a number of breakthrough infections of COVID-19 on our campus. As of December 30, 18 staff in various departments have tested positive for COVID-19. In addition, there are a large number of staff out due to exposure. Currently, 4 Independent Living residents have tested positive and are quarantining.
In an effort to prevent further transmission, the following precautions will begin on Saturday, January 1, 2022.
Mask Wearing:
All residents, staff and visitors are required to wear masks in all common areas including hallways and lobbies. Visitors are encouraged to wear masks while visiting apartments. Visitors to Parsons Health Center and Assisted Living must wear masks at all times.
Visitors:
Visitation is permitted in apartments and healthcare rooms only – NOT in common areas. There will be no visitors or guests allowed in dining rooms.
Dining:
In-person dining will continue for residents only. Reservations will be required. Please wear masks whenever possible.
Events:
There will be no in-person meetings or events on campus. We will do our best to provide virtual events as possible and will inform you of all arrangements.
• Sara Belle November Theater: Upcoming performances and events in the Theater will either be cancelled or will be available virtually.
• Spiritual Center: Thursday morning worship services and Evening Prayer will be available on TV970. There will be no in-person memorial services, receptions, small groups or meetings. Bulletins for virtual services will be available at Center and Tower desks.
• Group Events: There will be no group events or catered receptions during this time period.
• Meetings: All scheduled meetings will be virtual only.
• Resident Floor Meetings will be cancelled.
• Scheduled Art, Fitness Classes and Recreation Events: Programming will continue by registration only with limited capacity and masking and social distancing enforced.
• Appointments for the Salon will be kept; masks will be required for residents and staff.
• Shops on Main will be closed.
• Transportation services are limited to essential medical appointments.
• The grocery bus will operate with social distancing measures. Masking is mandatory.
General:
Staff are instructed to make their interactions with residents as brief as possible to protect one another. For example, dining servers will take your order and serve your food but should not engage in lengthy conversations. Staff in many areas will be wearing N-95 masks.
We will continue to closely follow the guidelines provided by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Virginia Department of Health. We will monitor the situation regularly and will inform you of any changes. Thank you for your support and for doing your part as we all work together to keep our community safe and healthy.
Follow the Core Principles of COVID-19 Infection Prevention
Henrico County is experiencing rapidly rising levels of community transmission of COVID-19. CMS recommends that everyone should wear a mask in public, indoor settings. We also recommend that you follow these guidelines from the CDC: Be vaccinated for COVID-19 and get a booster shot. Avoid crowded spaces or spaces with poor ventilation. Wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizer. Maintain social distancing of at least six feet. Stay home if you do not feel well and contact your physician. Follow CDC travel guidance. Follow quarantine guidance after exposure to someone with COVID-19. Do not interact with others if you have symptoms.
Ongoing Updates
• We encourage you to stay up to date with us online. Check the COVID-19 Update page and blog at www.WCRICHMOND.org. Please check Touchtown’s COVID-19 section.
• Westminster Canterbury Weekly is a live update that airs on our in-house TV970 station on Thursdays at 3 p.m. and other times as needed. Recordings are available on TV971 daily at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Summaries are available at www.WCRICHMOND.org. Please tune in to hear the latest news. Our next broadcast will be Thursday, January 6, 2022, and will be virtual only.
• Read The Westminster Canterbury Tales.