Live Update to Residents-May 26, 2020
Daily Live updates to residents on our in-house TV970 keep us informed and connected. Today’s update featured John Burns, President and CEO; Jessica Corbitt, Manager Cultural Arts; Melissa Markey, Manager Wellness; and Lynn McClintock, Director Pastoral Care.
The following updates were shared during the live briefing on TV970.
John Burns
Memorial Day Program
Thank you to residents Bob Clewell and Bob Adler for their leadership in producing an outstanding Memorial Day service that was on TV970 yesterday. It is also available to be viewed on YouTube. Thank you to all residents and staff involved for the time and energy they put into creating the program.
As of today, the data about COVID-19 in Virginia includes:
• 265,279 people have been tested for COVID-19. Positive cases total 39,342.
• The positivity rate in Virginia is 14.5%, Henrico is 13.2% (trending flat), and Richmond is 24.1% (trending up).
• In total, 4,325 people have been hospitalized to date. 1,403 are currently in the hospital, with 366 in ICU and 190 requiring ventilator support.
• There have been 1,236 deaths associated with COVID-19.
• 5,227 people have recovered.
• There have been 190 outbreaks in long-term care facilities, with 4,532 cases and 708 deaths.
On Monday, May 25, Westminster Canterbury Richmond learned that a Housekeeping employee tested positive for COVID-19. The employee worked in the Mary Morton Parsons Health Center until Monday, May 18. On Wednesday, May 20, she began exhibiting symptoms and was tested and sent home. We received her test results yesterday. She is currently recovering at home. Please be reassured that we are taking all precautions in preventing the spread of COVID-19, including wearing proper personal protective equipment, handwashing and enhanced disinfection practices.
Baseline Testing
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued guidance for nursing homes that recommends testing residents and staff for COVID-19. While it is not required yet, Westminster Canterbury will be testing all Parsons Health Center residents in the next few days.
Next Steps
We have taken a conservative approach to reopening the campus, trying to be diligent in our first two steps while preparing for the reopening, when we will allow free movement in and out of the campus. Our approach will pivot from being overly protective, with the goal of keeping the virus out of the resident population, to being responsive to new potential resident cases, which we hope do not happen. On Thursday, we will share Step 3 and Step 4, which will be initiated on June 8 and 15. Please tune in.
Masks
As of today, masks are required in all public areas. The Governor announced today that masks will be required in all public spaces in Virginia beginning Friday. Staff will help remind you, and we will share additional education and guidance.
Jessica Corbitt
Beginning Tuesday, June 2, at 11 a.m., we will begin a Tunes on Tuesdays series featuring VCU Jazz performers on the Ellipse and in the Courtyard Garden. Performances will take place each Tuesday in June with rain dates scheduled for Wednesday. Chairs will be placed outside or residents can enjoy the performance from their apartments or balconies. Please remain socially distant. The student performers will be screened in the same way all employees and contractors are and will walk outside to get to the performance spaces.
Melissa Markey
Fitness and Aquatic Center Appointments
The Fitness Center and Aquatic Center will be open by appointment only starting on Monday, June 1. All appointments will be 30 minutes in length and each resident is granted two appointment times per week. Appointments are available Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. All appointments are independent appointments with no classes and no hands-on assistance.
To schedule an appointment for the Fitness Center, call ext. 6669. If there’s no answer, please leave a message indicating a preferred day, time and equipment. We will return your call.
To schedule an appointment for the Aquatic Center, call ext. 6539. If there’s no answer, please leave a message indicating a preferred day and time. We will return your call.
Please see the below schedule for appointment purposes:
• June 1 – 4: Phone line for appointments will open Tuesday, May 26
• June 8 – 11: Phone line for appointments will open Tuesday, June 2
• June 15 – 18: Phone line for appointments will open Tuesday, June 9
• June 22 – 25: Phone line for appointments will open Tuesday, June 16
• June 29 – July 2: Phone line for appointments will open Tuesday, June 23
Residents with an appointment will receive a confirmation and guidelines in their mailbox to review prior to the appointment. We are following increased guidelines and procedures to ensure everyone’s safety and health.
Lynn McClintock
Watch the video to see an update about the Spiritual Center, including a behind-the-scenes tour.
New Daily Prayer Booklets are available. This month’s booklet includes a Prayer Walk and a Spiritual Communion guide based on “Communion Under Special Circumstances” from the Book of Common Prayer. Please call Vanessa Perry at ext. 1502 or David Curtis at ext. 5179 for a paper copy of the booklet. The booklet is also available on the Touchtown app.
Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Prayer
Gracious and Loving God, we acknowledge that these are tough days for us. Many of us are tired and lonely. Our hair is long and our patience, short. We wish we could have answers to our questions and an end date to put on our calendars.
The psalmist in the scriptures told it like it is…and we do the same. Thankfully there is nothing that we can say or feel or think that will cause you to turn away from us. We may begin our prayer in complaint, frustration or fear, but we pray that you will lift us up beyond ourselves, and into a wisdom beyond our own…and into your care and keeping. Grant unto us the strength to turn laments into joy as we trust in your presence with us. Help us to look around us and see the blessings that abound—your grace to sustain us. And for these, your gifts of mercy and love, we give you thanks. On this very day, and always. Amen.