COVID-19 Update – Masking Guidance – May 17, 2021
FROM: John Burns, President and CEO
SUBJECT: COVID-19 Update – Masking Guidance
DATE: May 17, 2021
On Thursday, May 13, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued new guidance regarding masking for fully vaccinated people in non-healthcare settings. It stated “that fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask or physically distance in any setting, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.” Based on this guidance, Westminster Canterbury Richmond is updating our masking policies.
At Westminster Canterbury, Mary Morton Parsons Health Center and Assisted Living are considered healthcare settings. Masks are required for anyone visiting in these areas.
Fully vaccinated Independent Living residents and outside visitors may choose whether to be masked in public settings around our community. Anyone entering Parsons Health Center or Assisted Living, including Independent Living residents, will be required to wear a mask. While we will not require proof of vaccination, we ask each individual to take personal responsibility for being honest about their vaccination status when choosing whether or not to wear a mask. Some fully vaccinated individuals may choose to continue wearing a mask out of an abundance of caution.
All employees and contractors of Westminster Canterbury are required to continue wearing a mask regardless of their location on campus. We will continue to monitor local positivity rates, vaccination rates and the latest guidance before making changes to this policy.
Screening
Screening is still required for all employees and visitors to Westminster Canterbury. All Visitor Screening takes place at the Avalon Entrance. Visitors should pull up to the Avalon Entrance, be screened, return to their vehicle, park near the location of their visit and proceed directly to their visit.
As always, 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). We will continue to monitor the latest developments and provide updates to COVID-19 policies, program offerings and more.
Ongoing Updates
• We encourage you to stay up to date with us online. Check the COVID-19 Update page at www.WCRICHMOND.org for what to expect when visiting our community and more.
• The latest news and past updates are always available on our blog at www.WCRICHMOND.org.
• Westminster Canterbury Weekly videos air on our in-house TV970 station on Thursdays at 3 p.m. and other times as needed. Recordings are available later on www.WCRICHMOND.org, www.facebook.com/wcrichmond or on TV971 daily at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.