Live Update-July 14, 2020
Live updates to residents on our in-house TV970 keep us informed and connected on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3 p.m. Today’s update featured John Burns, President and CEO; Windley Gravatt, Vice President Workforce Services; Scott Jonté, Director of Dining; and Vanessa Perry, Pastoral Care Administrator.
The following updates were shared during the live briefing on TV970.
John Burns
Nationally, there have been around 3.3 million cases and 135,000 deaths due to COVID-19. Some parts of the United States are beginning to pull back on their reopening plans due to the increase in cases. As of today, the COVID-19 data for Virginia includes:
• 811,187 have been tested for COVID-19, an increase of around 10,000 since yesterday.
• Positive cases total 72,443, an increase of 972 since yesterday.
• The rolling seven-day positivity rate in Virginia is 6.9%, trending up. Henrico-5.8%. Chesterfield-8.0%. Richmond-6.1%.
• Areas hit hard early in the pandemic, such as northern Virginia and Richmond, have improved, while areas that did not have as many cases early are beginning to surge. Chesapeake’s positivity rate is 13.0%, Virginia Beach is 10.7%, Rappahannock is 5.4%, and Charlottesville is 8.0%.
Two Additional Employees with COVID-19
On Friday, July 10, we learned that an employee of Mary Morton Parsons Health Center tested positive for COVID-19. This certified nursing assistant (CNA) has no symptoms but was tested after learning about the positive cases of COVID-19 in two Parsons Health Center residents last week. On Monday, July 13, we learned that a second CNA from Parsons Health Center also tested positive for COVID-19 after showing symptoms. Both employees last worked on July 9 and are recovering at home. All residents and staff in Parsons Health Center were tested again last week, and while we have not received all the results yet, those received have come back negative. A total of five residents and 17 staff have tested positive since March. Six of those employees are off campus recovering. Several other employees await for test results.
Point Prevalence Survey
On July 20 and 21, a Point Prevalence Survey, or PPS, will be conducted at Westminster Canterbury in partnership with the Virginia Department of Health and National Guard. Our goal is 100% participation for residents and employees over those two days. We are finalizing plans and will share them in writing later this week.
Azalea Parking Lot
Several residents have expressed concern about a large group gathering on Friday nights at the Azalea Parking Lot. On Saturday morning, John Burns communicated with the property owner and the Henrico County Manager, who plan to look into resolving this issue.
Windley Gravatt
Employee Travel Guidelines
Westminster Canterbury is monitoring employee travel to help protect residents and employees. Staff are encouraged to take planned time off to rest and rejuvenate. Staff are asked to report any planned travel for tracking purposes. While taking time off, staff are asked to continue masking and social distancing. If time off includes traveling by plane, train or bus there are precautions that must be taken upon return. On their first day back at work, staff will be tested for COVID-19 by Westminster Canterbury.
For the 14 days following or until negative test results are received, staff must adhere to the following guidelines:
• Those able to work remotely or isolate in a private area are encouraged to do so.
• Staff should work with their manager to determine the best course of action. Those unable to isolate may be reassigned to an area of work that requires less staff and resident interaction.
• During this time frame, staff are asked to limit their movement throughout campus and bring their own food rather than patronizing the Employee Dining Room.
Staff with children in the Child Development Center who also took a plane, train or bus while traveling, will need to find alternate care for the 14-day waiting period or provide negative test results and will not be charged their usual fees.
Our staff have been very dedicated throughout this crisis. They need to take time to ensure they stay healthy and reduce stress. It is our sincere hope that they are able to do that while still staying safe.
Listening Sessions
Several residents have expressed interest in the Listening Sessions held with staff a few weeks ago. We wanted to open up the conversation relating to all that is going on currently in our society. We held five sessions that were very well attended. We learned a lot about how many of our staff experience life outside of work as well as information about areas we can work on at Westminster Canterbury.
Some of the themes that we heard during the sessions included that some employees feel invisible, concerned about diversity on our campus, and hopeful that we can grow and evolve to include and support all races and cultures. Staff felt there should be recognition for the work they have done throughout the pandemic. In response, frontline staff, excluding Directors and Executives, will receive an appreciation bonus this week. We are working with our Learning Management System and outside consultants to prepare education for management and staff on unconscious bias and diversity in the workplace. This will be an ongoing effort and part of our strategic plan.
Scott Jonté
Dining Updates
Reservations are no longer required for breakfast or lunch in the Promenade. Residents are encouraged to call ahead if possible, but there is ample room to accommodate walk-ins. Expanded reservation times in the Promenade will be available beginning Monday, July 20, with seating availability every 15 minutes. Reservations are required for dinner and the Sunday midday meal. Please call ext. 6030 to make your reservation.
Please remember to arrive no later than 10 minutes before or after your reservation time. Always wear your mask when you are in the dining room and only remove it when you are eating. Dining staff only issue a receipt for your meal if you request it.
Vanessa Perry
1 Corinthians 1:10
I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.
Prayer
Father God, we come to you today to thank you for letting us see the dawn of a brand new day. We are witnesses to some very unprecedented times: COVID-19 appeared and quickly preoccupied the minds of all, including children, parents, doctors and nurses. The Black Lives Matter Movement followed soon after, and our minds were preoccupied with our inner struggles of identity, compassion, anger and forgiveness. We turn to you to order our steps, order our thoughts and order our actions. We pray for the leaders that ultimately have to make the tough decisions. We know that these are very swift changes we are seeing daily, and we need to be very mindful to make the right moves. It is not easy, Lord, and we need a sense of calm and peace. We need to be united in mind and thought, which only comes from intently hearing each other. We will not always agree, but we can at least respect each other. We pray that you would help each one of us do just that, so that we could move forward. We pray to become witnesses of His love, His peace and His kindness. For without these things nothing can be accomplished and nothing can move forward. We pray that the uncomfortable discussions will result in comfortable outcomes for all involved. It is in you that we pray, Amen.