Live Update to Residents-August 6, 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; Lucy Negus, Bill Blake and Nancy Bain, residents; Lynn McClintock, Director Pastoral Care; and Rev. Dr. Art Thomas, resident.
The following updates were shared during the live briefing on TV970.
John Burns
As of today, the COVID-19 data for Virginia includes:
• Almost 1.2 million have been tested for COVID-19.
• Positive cases total 95,867.
• The rolling seven-day positivity rate in Virginia is 7.3%, flat. Henrico-6.2%, flat. Chesterfield-8.6%, trending up. Richmond-6.7%, flat.
• The Governor’s Long-Term Care Task Force reports that as of today, there have been 8,320 COVID-19 cases in long-term care facilities in Virginia.
• The summary of Point Prevalence Surveys conducted by the National Guard includes more than 95,000 tests done at 233 long-term care facilities in Virginia. The overall positivity rate for these tests was 1.7%; staff-2.2%, residents-3.4%.
Staff and resident testing continues weekly in Parsons Health Center. All employee test results have come back negative for the second week in a row. This is an important step toward reopening. All residents in Parsons will be tested again this week.
Visitation Clarification
Today, family of Independent Living residents began visiting in apartments or homes on a limited basis, with a total of 43 visitors so far. Frequent visitors badges are not activated and will not work. Visitation is available 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.
Please limit your visitors to two. It is nearly impossible to maintain social distancing in larger groups. Visitors must be screened and receive a wristband prior to going to the residents’ apartment or home.
Visitors are not allowed in the dining rooms or other common spaces. You may visit with your guests outdoors. Please respect everyone’s safety and keep your distance from other residents and staff members.
This visitation program is for Independent Living only at this time. Assisted Living visitation continues by appointment only through our existing structured, scheduled program. Until the Avalon quarantine ends next week, Avalon visitation is suspended. A plan for Parsons Health Center visitation has been created; however, we must work our way through the reopening plan, which involves a number of weeks of testing with no new cases. We will keep you informed as to when this visitation may begin.
Resident Outside Contractors and Personal Employees
Beginning Monday, August 17, Independent Living 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. There was some confusion that this is also available to Assisted Living residents, but for now, it is only for Independent Living.
Tower Green Fountain Update
BCLS has started working on the installation of the fountain at the Tower Green today. The area surrounding the fountain will be blocked with construction fencing to create a safe work zone. Weather permitting, the fountain installation will be completed by the end of next week.
Employee Christmas Fund
Lucy Negus shared the Employee Christmas Fund’s appreciation for everything residents do to support the employees of Westminster Canterbury. Bill Blake has written new lyrics to the tune of “Jeremiah was a Bullfrog” to boost employee spirits and encourage residents to be especially generous during the age of the coronavirus. Watch the video to see Bill Blake, accompanied by Nancy Bain on piano, perform the song.
Lynn McClintock
A Sermon for Every Sunday airs Sunday, August 9, at 4 p.m. on TV970. Jim Somerville, Pastor of Richmond’s First Baptist Church, will preach on Matthew 14:22-33. Did Jesus really walk on water? Did Peter?! Somerville suggests that instead of asking, “Did it really happen this way?” we might ask, “What on earth is God trying to say?” What IS God trying to say in this incredible story, and why does it matter?
Thoughtful Thursday-Rev. Dr. Arthur D. Thomas
Scripture
John 13:34 and I John 4:19
Prayer
Dear Lord, we have heard a sermon about Jesus and John Woolman on non-violent social action with respect to slavery.
Dear God, we desperately need today
People of prayer, who get their marching orders from Jesus during their Bible study and prayer times;
People of prayer who will storm the gates of heaven for revival and renewal of the church and healing of this divided nation;
People of prayer, who will repent for past injustices of slaveholding and racism;
People of action who will boldly witness for justice;
People who have a deep spirituality and interior life;
People who will avoid shaming and name calling;
People who can listen and enter into civil dialogue with others who disagree with them;
People who are peacemakers;
People who want justice for all;
People who want to show the love of Christ to others by their evangelism and actions;
People who above all love God and show God’s love to others.
People who manifest the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, self-control.
May the non-violent approach of Jesus, John Woolman, and Martin Luther King, Jr. be remembered and emulated. Amen.