Live Update to Residents-May 18, 2020
Daily Live updates to residents on our in-house TV970 have become a popular way for us to stay in touch while social distancing! Today’s update featured John Burns, President and CEO; Taryn Young, Fitness Specialist; and Lynn McClintock, Director Pastoral Care.
The following updates were shared during the live briefing on TV970.
John Burns
As of this morning, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) reports:
• 218,393 people have been tested for COVID-19.
• Total positive cases are 31,140, an increase of 752.
• The positivity rate is trending down at 14%.
• In total, 3,822 people have been hospitalized. Approximately 1,502 people are currently in the hospital. 361 are in ICU and 194 require ventilation support.
• There have been 1,014 deaths.
• 4,107 have recovered.
Test results for two residents in Parsons Health Center who had exhibited symptoms of COVID-19 came back negative. We learned that one of our grounds contractor’s employees tested positive for COVID-19. As a precaution we tested a Westminster Canterbury employee who may have come into contact with this contractor, but the risk of exposure is low.
Restarting Programs and Services
We are taking a cautious, gradual approach as we outline our plan to restart programs and services. On Thursday, John Burns will share the plans for steps 1 and 2. Please tune in.
Staff Screening Process
All employees and contractors are screened upon entry with questions at the Gatehouse and temperature checks at tents at Avalon and the Child Development Center entrances. As of yesterday, we simplified the process so that both question and temperature screenings are done at the Avalon and Child Development Center entrances, relieving pressure for the Gatehouse.
Westbrook Avenue Paving
Westbrook Avenue has been repaved. They will paint lines and finish the project when the weather clears.
Masks
We hear from many of you about other residents not wearing masks. As of today, it is not a requirement for residents to wear masks. As we restart programs and reopen common spaces, masks will be required for residents to be in public areas.
Thank you for your patience as we continue through this difficult situation.
Taryn Young
Monday Motivation
Ida Keeling is a 104-year-old sprinter from Harlem. She was 67 when she took up running. It started with a mini-run led by her daughter that helped to lift her out of depression. She kept running and got better and stronger each time. She chose sprinting because it was faster and shorter than those long distances she had been trying to get through. Ida is still running, and riding her bike, lifting weights, doing push-ups and stretching. She says, “When I don’t get out, I exercise in my room. I get on the floor and turn my feet over my head. Age [has] nothing to do with it. When you really want to do something for yourself, go and do it. And if you fail, try, try, TRY again.”
New Workout Video
A new Stretch and Strengthen video is airing on TV970 in the 10 a.m. slot while Core and More has been moved to the 4 p.m. slot. All video workouts are available on Touchtown Community Apps under the Videos section.
I-Spy Challenge
We hope you are enjoying this month’s I-Spy Challenge and invite you to share with us some of the things you find while participating in it. Residents Tommy and Nita Bryant recently shared their experience of becoming much more consciously aware of the beauty of this campus. We all know it is beautiful. When we take the time to sit, stand or lie down somewhere in nature, it can change our perspective and deepen our appreciation for what is right here surrounding us. That is when the healing begins. That is mindfulness.
Watch the video for a demonstration of the breath and movement practice Triple Circle of Joy.
Lynn McClintock
Join Pastoral Care for a live worship service on TV970 on Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Evening Prayer airs on TV970 on Monday through Saturday at 6:15 p.m.
“Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.”–Albert Einstein
“Helping someone else through difficulty is where civilization starts.”–Margaret Mead
Matthew 22:34-40
“Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”
The Talmud, Brachot 17a
The highest form of wisdom is kindness.
Prayer
Merciful God, on this rainy day, we ask that your light and love warm us, lift us up, and reassure us. When we get caught up in self-pity or when we find ourselves looking around us for everything wrong, make us mindful of the long view. Remind us that this moment in time is not forever, and that our lives are in your hands. Help us to be kind to ourselves, knowing that we are not alone in struggling to keep strong and get through this. May we, in this time of personal and community challenge– draw on our best selves, so that we will emerge not having left anyone behind, and, indeed, perhaps finding out who we really are, for the first time. Amen.