COVID-19 Update-January 14, 2022
FROM: John Burns, President and CEO
SUBJECT: COVID-19 Update
DATE: January 14, 2022
As our region experiences the current surge of COVID-19 cases, the Westminster Canterbury Richmond community is also being affected by residents and staff who test positive in all areas. We are encouraged that most individuals have experienced mild symptoms, and many are fully recovered. We continue to take the pandemic seriously and take appropriate steps to limit its spread on our campus. Thank you for your understanding and dedication to staying healthy and connecting in safe ways during this surge. We are committed to providing regular updates on the pandemic’s effect on our community.
Our rigorous, ongoing testing is uncovering several cases of COVID-19 in asymptomatic residents and employees in addition to those who experience symptoms of illness.
Current Resident Cases of COVID-19
Many of our previously reported residents who tested positive for COVID-19 are now considered recovered! As of today, five Mary Morton Parsons Health Center residents are recovering in quarantine, with three of them being cared for in the COVID-19 Unit. Three Independent Living residents and four Assisted Living residents are recovering in quarantine.
Current Employee Cases of COVID-19
Fifty employees have tested positive for COVID-19 and are currently recovering in quarantine. They work in the following areas: Accounting, Assisted Living, Child Development Center, Dining, Facility Services, Parsons Health Center, Resident Services and Westminster Canterbury Richmond at Home. Many others have recovered and returned to work.
Programs and Services Updates
Check the latest issue of The Westminster Canterbury Tales, available on Touchtown and in the Business and Information Centers, for information about increased programming on TV970 and TV971. Independent Living group exercise classes will resume on Monday, January 17.
While visitation in Parsons Health Center and Assisted Living is highly discouraged, it is available. For visitors who would like to schedule a virtual visit with your loved one, including Facetime and/or telephone calls, please contact the unit’s nurse or social worker.
Follow the Core Principles of COVID-19 Infection Prevention
Westminster Canterbury follows the latest guidance from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Virginia Department of Health (VDH). Our Clinic team reminds you that these recommendations are the best way to prevent illness for yourself and others. Please follow them carefully.
- If you are concerned that you have been exposed to someone who may be positive for COVID-19, please contact the Clinic at 264-6231 to arrange a time for testing.
- If you have any symptoms of illness, please stay home and contact your physician or the Clinic for testing.
- Be vaccinated for COVID-19 and get a booster shot when you are eligible.
- CMS recommends that everyone wear a mask in public, indoor settings.
- Avoid crowded spaces or spaces with poor ventilation or wear a mask in these spaces.
- Wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizer.
- Maintain social distancing of at least six feet.
- Follow CDC travel guidance.
- Follow quarantine guidance after exposure to someone with COVID-19.
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.
- 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.
- Read The Westminster Canterbury Tales.