Live Update to Residents-August 4, 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; and Logan Augustine, Chaplain.
The following updates were shared during the live briefing on TV970.
John Burns
Globally, there have been 18 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 and nearly 700,000 deaths. There have been 4.65 million cases of COVID-19 in the United States and 154,000 deaths. As of today, the COVID-19 data for Virginia includes:
• 1,164,515 have been tested for COVID-19, an increase of around 13,000 since yesterday.
• Positive cases total 94,251, an increase of 1,145 since yesterday.
• The rolling seven-day positivity rate in Virginia is 7.2%, flat. Henrico-6.0%, flat. Chesterfield-8.1%, trending up. Richmond-6.7%, trending up.
• In other regions, the positivity rates are: Alexandria-5.5%, Fairfax-5.6%, Loudoun-5.1%, Charlottesville-6.0%, Roanoke-4.7%, Chesapeake-13.6% and Virginia Beach-10.2%.
• There have been 8,085 total hospitalizations, with 1,255 currently, an increase of 50.
• There have been 2,224 deaths in Virginia, with 26 since yesterday.
Positive Cases and Testing Updates
A resident who was residing in the COVID-19 positive unit moved back to Parsons Health Center today after receiving her second negative test result. This Parsons Health Center Second Floor resident was very sick with symptoms a couple of weeks ago but has continued to improve. The one remaining COVID-19 positive resident is improving, and we are hopeful that he will test negative soon.
Last week, all Parsons Health Center staff and residents were tested, and all test results have returned negative.
Employees who have tested positive continue to recover. Only five remain in quarantine, awaiting two negative test results so they can return to work. Four staff have shown symptoms and are out awaiting test results.
Avalon Update
On Friday, we learned that a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in the Avalon area of Assisted Living tested positive after being exposed to a friend who was positive for COVID-19. This CNA worked on all floors in Avalon. Out of an abundance of caution, all Avalon residents are in quarantine until next Tuesday, August 11. Staff are monitoring all Avalon residents and will test anyone who shows any signs or symptoms of illness.
Resident Outside Contractors and Personal Employees
Beginning Monday, August 17, residents may invite outside contractors and personal employees into their apartments. If you would like to take advantage of this program, please contact Resident Services at ext. 6082 for more information on the requirements. This includes those who may help with additional housekeeping, personal repair work and personal business.
Residents will be required to sign a form giving Westminster Canterbury permission to allow them into the community. Residents are responsible and accountable for their contractors’ actions while they are in the community. Resident contractors are expected to stay out of public areas as much as possible and are required to wear a mask at all times. They must go through a screening and receive a wristband. These instructions will be shared with those who take advantage of this program through Resident Services by calling ext. 6082.
Please remember that there are risks involved when inviting visitors or outside employees into your home. Westminster Canterbury does not recommend it, but we will allow it for those who need it. Please use the appropriate precautions to protect yourself including disinfecting after outside guests leave. Continue to wear masks and maintain social distances from visitors in order to stay safe.
Independent Living Visitation
On Thursday, family of Independent Living residents may begin visiting in residents’ apartments or homes on a limited basis, Thursday through Sunday. Visitors must arrive between 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Visitors arriving after 3 p.m. will not be permitted to enter the community. Visitors must be screened and receive a wristband prior to going to the residents’ apartment or home. Visitors are not allowed in the dining room or other common spaces.
Horticulture Update
Bartlett Tree will be onsite tomorrow for storm clean up. They will work on fallen trees at the Nature Trail, dead wood and dead limbs overhanging the sidewalk at the lower Ellipse and removal of a dead tree in The Glebe.
Logan Augustine
Poem
“Do you need me? I am there.
You cannot see me, yet I am the light you see by.
You cannot hear me, yet I speak through your voice.
You cannot feel me, yet I am the power at work in your hands.
I am at work, though you do not understand My ways.
I am at work, though you do not recognize My works.
Only in absolute stillness, beyond self, can you know Me as I am,
And then but as feeling and a faith.
Yet I am there. Yet I am here. Yet I answer.
When you need Me, I am there.
Even if you deny Me, I am there.
Even when you feel most alone, I am there.
Even in your fears, I am there.
Even in your pain, I am there.
I am there when you pray and when you do not pray.
Though your faith in Me is unsure, My faith in you never waivers,
Because I know you, because I love you.
Beloved, I am there.”
James Dillet Freeman, poet and minister of The Unity Church
Prayer
Loving God, thank you for being ever present with us. You are there with us as we shout in joy from the mountaintops and you are there with us amidst unsettling storms. While our faith may waiver, our vision for the future may be uncertain, the storm may toss us around leaving us feeling disoriented and overwhelmed; help us to know that you are our hope. Whatever may be going on in our lives and in this world, may we pause to turn to you, knowing that you are there, welcoming us and loving us in all of our brokenness and beauty. Thank you for loving us and for giving us the grace to meet each new day. To you we give thanks and glory. Amen.