Live Update to Residents-May 19, 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; Jessica Goldberg, Manager Courtesy Services; Julie McElduff, Fitness Specialist; and Logan Augustine, Chaplain.
The following updates were shared during the live briefing on TV970.
John Burns
Data is at the core of how federal, state and local governments make decisions about safety in the community, and how the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and Virginia Department of Health (VDH) determine when it is safe to reopen senior living communities and long-term care facilities.
As of this morning, the data shows:
• 201,183 people have been tested for COVID-19.
• Total positive cases are 32,145, an increase of 1,005.
• In total, 3,904 people have been hospitalized. Approximately 1,497 people are currently in the hospital.
• There have been 1,014 deaths.
• 4,271 have recovered.
• The metric being watched for progress with containing the spread of Coronavirus is the positivity rate, the percent of individuals tested that are positive for COVID-19. The seven-day average positivity rate for Virginia is 14.9%, down about 2% from a week ago. As reported in the news, Virginia had been including both PCR tests (positive/negative tests) and antibody tests in their testing data. This led to concerns about double counting, so the Governor directed VDH to report based on PCR tests only.
• Henrico has a rate of 13.4% that has been rising over the past week and is flat over the past two weeks.
• Richmond has a positivity rate of 23.6%. This has increased 7% in the past seven days. Richmond did not begin its reopening with the Governor’s plan for reopening Virginia because of this data.
• Virginia Beach has a positivity rate less than 3% that has been trending down for a few weeks.
• There have been 183 outbreaks of COVID-19 in long-term care facilities in Virginia.
• An article in today’s Richmond Times-Dispatch speaks to the incomplete data picture relative to nursing homes.
Employee Appreciation
Residents and family members are reminded that Westminster Canterbury employees are not allowed to accept direct gifts and cash. To show your appreciation, you may make a gift to Westminster Canterbury Foundation’s W·E·A·V·E (Workforce-Education-Assistance-Volunteerism-Engagement) program, that provides education and emergency assistance to employees, especially during these challenging times.
You may also make a gift to the Employee Christmas Fund, which is a gift that is distributed to employees during the holidays in appreciation for what they do all year.
Testing
Westminster Canterbury is testing anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms out of an abundance of caution. However, people can have symptoms of infection such as fever or cough for many other reasons. Since early March, Parsons Health Center has been checking temperature, lung sounds and oxygen levels per CMS recommendations. There is no one we are concerned about testing positive with COVID-19 at this time.
Jess Goldberg
Memorial Day Notice
The Publix Grocery Delivery Program, Azalea Lot Deliveries from Family and Friends, grocery phone ordering line and transportation services will not be available on Memorial Day, May 25. If residents have friends or family planning deliveries to the Azalea lot, please ask that they bring the items this Friday, May 22, instead of Monday. More Publix orders will be taken this week on Thursday and Friday to compensate. These programs and services will resume after Memorial Day.
Julie McElduff
Watch the video for a demonstration of a wall push up.
Logan Augustine
Exodus 15:13
In your steadfast love you led the people whom you redeemed; you guided them by your strength to your holy abode.
Reflection
(Written Rev. David May of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Goochland, VA)
“The more I think about it, the more I feel a special kinship with the children of Israel making their forty-year journey through the wilderness on the way to the Promised Land. That time for them was so that God could teach them that they could trust God with everything in their lives. In that journey there was muttering and murmuring and general complaining from everyone, including the thought that they would been better off as slaves back in Egypt. And there were also times of revelation and rejoicing in God’s providence. That journey shaped them as God’s own special treasure out of all the world. I guess it’s our turn.”
Prayer
Loving and steadfast God, we thank you for your presence with us each day. In our long journey in the wilderness, help us to remember that you are leading us through. In times of anger and frustration, may we be reminded of your joy and peace. In times of anxiety and uncertainty, may we be reminded of your eternal changelessness. Continue to guide us through this strange time and help us to let go, so that we can be molded by your love and your grace. We thank you for these holy stories of our ancestors which strengthen us and teach us that we are never alone. All of this we pray in your holy name, Amen.