Live Update to Residents-May 5, 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; Sherry Grady, Vice President Facilities Management; Julie McElduff, Fitness Specialist; and Logan Augustine, Chaplain.
The following updates were shared during the live briefing on TV970.
John Burns
As of this morning, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) reports:
• 127,938 people have been tested for COVID-19, with 5,150 tests since yesterday.
• Total positive COVID-19 cases are 20,256 with 764 new cases.
• 2,773 hospitalizations
• 713 total deaths
• Percentage of positive is 15.8%
• There are 143 outbreaks in long-term care facilities in Virginia. Within those, there are 2,902 cases and 405 deaths. Avoiding an outbreak on our campus is our biggest concern and area of focus.
We continue to learn more about COVID-19 as a disease, including new symptoms. Symptoms may also present differently in people of different age groups. Symptoms go beyond lung symptoms like cough and shortness of breath or viral symptoms like sore throat, muscle aches and fever. Other less common symptoms include impaired taste or smell, dizziness, confusion and more.
Chris Henderson, CEO of Pinnacle Living, the parent company of Cedarfield, shared information about their outbreak experience. On Thursday, April 30, the Henrico Health Department, and their partners from the Virginia National Guard spent much of the day at Cedarfield completing the first phase of a Point Prevalence Survey (PPS). As part of the survey, they tested residents and employees in their health care center and reviewed Cedarfield’s Infection Control Standards including preparedness plan, infection control policies, epidemiology report, infection control assessment tools and more. Prior to testing, Cedarfield had five residents who had tested positive for COVID-19. During the PPS, they learned of three additional cases in health care residents and three in symptomatic team members who were already in quarantine off campus.
Westminster Canterbury is planning ahead in case of an outbreak, while also doing everything we can to prevent one from happening. As part of that preparation, we have around 200 test kits available and would be able to access outside resources for more testing if needed. Westminster Canterbury is grateful to be working together with others in the senior living industry, sharing experiences and best practices.
Sherry Grady
Westbrook Avenue
Paving preparation continues. The city has milled the road base and will soon start paving.
Grounds
• Cochrane Pond has been experiencing a few challenges. Our lake management company discovered a few lights that are out, so the lighting fixture was sent to the manufacturer for repair. After discovering a few dead fish, the water was tested and came back normal. Temperature fluctuations can sometimes cause a small fish kill. The fountain was shutting off for extended periods of time at night, so the timer has been reset, and the fountain will now only turn off early in the morning for a system clean out.
• BCLS Team – Please use social distancing and wear a mask when conversing with the BCLS Team or other contractors. It’s very important to do this at all times to provide a much higher level of protection against exposure.
• Thank you to residents who have commented on how wonderful they think our grounds look!
Facilities Team
Thank you for your patience with our modified housekeeping schedule. Our housekeeping team is working very hard to sanitize common areas and maintain apartment cleaning. The engineering team is working behind the scenes to maintain a safe environment for everyone. In addition to their regular duties, they escort vendors around campus to ensure they follow masking requirements and maintain an appropriate distance when encountering residents along the way. Thank you to the entire Facilities Team for everything they are doing to keep our campus safe, clean and looking pristine!
Julie McElduff – Wellness
Please take part in the Wellness I Spy Challenge for May that gives opportunities to be outside getting Vitamin D from the sun. Studies show regular doses of Vitamin D help with cognitive health, slow bone mineral loss and boost your mood.
Watch the video for a demonstration of the sit-to-stand movement.
Logan Augustine – Pastoral Care
A Worship Service will take place Thursday, May 7, at 10:30 a.m. on TV970. Rev. Deacon Logan Augustine will preach. May Prayer Booklets that contain daily prayers and weekly worship bulletins are available by calling Vanessa Perry at ext. 1502 or David Curtis at ext. 5179.
Proverbs 3:13-18
Happy are those who find wisdom, and those who get understanding, for her income is better than silver, and her revenue better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called happy.
Prayer
O God of infinite wisdom, be with us now in these days as we seek understanding. In the midst of this changing environment in which we live; help us to be patient with one another. As researchers work tirelessly to find a vaccine, as healthcare workers continue to stay the course with treating patients, and as our governments find measures to put in place as they try to navigate this new world to keep us safe, may we rest in your peace, knowing that you are in the midst of us. Help us, O God, to find wisdom and understanding as we approach each day in this ever-changing world. May we take time to make choices which will keep ourselves and the most vulnerable among us safe. May we look not only inward at ourselves and our needs, but outward at those around us. No matter where we may be on any given day, may we see you within ourselves and within each person – even from afar, so that we may be reminded that we are all connected by your love for us, your children. All of this we pray in your name, Amen.