Live Update to Residents-July 23, 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; Scott Jonté, Director of Dining; Marty Kane, Director of Finance; Lynn McClintock, Director Pastoral Care; and Rev. Canon J. Fletcher Lowe, Jr., resident.
Due to technical difficulties, a portion of today’s Live Update was not recorded.
The following updates were shared during the live briefing on TV970.
John Burns
We are approaching 4 million cases of COVID-19 in the United States, with around 63,000 new since yesterday. There have been nearly 142,000 deaths, with 1,043 since yesterday. As of today, the COVID-19 data for Virginia includes:
• 969,145 have been tested for COVID-19, an increase of around 18,000 since yesterday.
• Positive cases total 81,237, an increase of 844 since yesterday.
• The rolling seven-day positivity rate in Virginia is 7.7%, trending up. Henrico-5.7%, flat. Chesterfield-7.0%, trending down. Richmond-7.8%, trending up.
• There have been 7,437 hospitalizations, with 1,281 currently, an increase of 61.
COVID-19 at Westminster Canterbury Richmond
We continue to learn of new cases of COVID-19 in our residents and staff through ongoing testing. Parsons Health Center residents and staff have been tested weekly. This week’s results are from last week’s testing. Yesterday, we received results from July 15 and learned that a second resident on Parsons Health Center First Floor tested positive. He has no symptoms. Two additional employees received positive results yesterday – a certified nursing assistant (CNA) on Parsons Health Center Second Floor and an overnight Security officer.
A memo will be shared this afternoon that has a full update. In summary, we currently have four residents in Parsons Health Center with COVID-19 and nine employees who remain off campus recovering. Many are asymptomatic or have only mild symptoms, and everyone has shown signs of improvement.
COVID-19 Outbreak Policy and Plan
Two weeks ago, Will Blackwell, Vice President Health Services, shared that the Incident Command Team and Health Services and Assisted Living leadership in collaboration with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) had developed a COVID-19 Outbreak Policy and Plan. This plan would be enacted in the event three or more residents test positive for COVID-19. Our first cases were on the same hallway, so we did not have to enact this policy. Today VDH advised that due to the two newest resident cases, which are on different hallways, we should enact the outbreak policy.
A COVID-19 positive unit is being created on the third floor of Pavilion, an area of Assisted Living located directly beside Parsons Health Center. Residents who previously lived in this area of Pavilion have already moved or will be moving to other areas of the campus. The rooms have been thoroughly cleaned and painted. In May, we communicated with the affected family members about the potential for these moves. Tomorrow, residents testing positive for COVID-19 will move to this area after all other residents have moved out. A dedicated staff team will only work in this area. It will be closed to all residents and staff except the assigned care teams. We will share updates next week.
Staff working on this COVID-19 unit with positive residents will be protected with all required personal protective equipment, including wearing N95 masks for which they are fit-tested to ensure the best protection, gowns, gloves and eye protection. This protection is challenging to work in for the duration of the shift, but staff have maintained great attitudes and are offering the best care to our residents.
Thank you to Assisted Living leadership of Sloan Verlander and Jennifer Kapel, Parsons Health Center nursing leadership of Sharon Poznanczyk and Johanna Vaughan, and all the others who helped prepare. Thank you to the residents and families who had to be relocated for their understanding. These moves will allow us to better care for residents affected by this terrible virus.
The coronavirus is as big a threat to all of us today as it has been at any point in this crisis. Please continue to wear masks, wash hands frequently and practice social distancing. Please be careful anytime you leave home. It’s impossible to know who might be infected. The more people you interact with, the greater your risk of getting and spreading the virus.
We anticipate that we will continue to learn of more positive test results. Virginia Department of Health has requested that our Point Prevalence Survey results be expedited, but the time to receive results has been variable.
Thank You
Thank you to Mike at Azalea Garden Center for his help and accommodation during grocery deliveries at the Azalea Parking Lot during quarantine.
Scott Jonté
Dining Updates
• Beginning Monday, July 27, the Promenade will begin providing full a la carte service. Please check in at the host stand, where you will be escorted to your table. The wait staff will take orders and bring your meal to the table. This change will enhance social distancing practices within the dining room.
• Hand-dipped ice cream is available again in the Promenade.
• 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.
• If you would like a copy of your receipt, please ask the host for one when you check in.
Marty Kane
Fiscal Year 2021 Budget Overview
Westminster Canterbury is experiencing significant inflationary pressures as we enter into fiscal year 2021, including increases in wages, utilities, food costs, staff medical insurance and COVID-19-related expenses such as personal protective equipment, testing, screenings and lost revenue. The resident monthly fee increase, effective October 1, 2020, will be 2.75%. This is in line with the ten-year history of fee increases. Fee increases for other services will increase around 3-5%, also effective October 1, with an updated fee schedule published in late August.
Westminster Canterbury forecasts around $10-13 million in routine capital expenditures in fiscal year 2021, including the Courtyard/Avalon HVAC project, Promenade dining, and Vibrancy! campus master plan projects.
The fiscal year 2021 budget considers inflationary pressure and long-term disruptions due to COVID-19 while also supporting Westminster Canterbury’s overall strategic goals. The financial goal is to break even on controllable revenues versus controllable expenses. Cash flows are sufficient for operating and capital needs.
If you have questions, please contact the Finance Office at ext. 6056. Additional information will be shared in The Tales.
Lynn McClintock
On Sunday at 4 p.m., A Sermon for Every Sunday airs on TV970. This Sunday will feature Father Michael Renninger from St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Richmond.
Thoughtful Thursday – Rev. Canon Fletcher J. Lowe, Jr.
Psalm 68:19
Blessed be the Lord who daily bears me up.
Isaiah 40:31
Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary They will walk and not be faint.
Prayer
Let us fly with both wings – for as the psalmist says, “Blessed is the Lord who daily bears me up.” Amen.