Live Update to Residents-May 8, 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; Jason Pace, Manager Dining Services; Eric Price, Digital Media Specialist; Zachary Townsend, Performing Arts Technical Coordinator; and David Curtis, Chaplain.
The following updates were shared during the live briefing on TV970.
John Burns
During the pandemic, we have all learned to celebrate in new ways while staying at home – birthdays, anniversaries, holidays – and Mother’s Day is no exception. It feels strange not to come together and see our families in person. There’s a gap between what we want to do and what’s possible in these strange times as we make uncomfortable decisions to try to protect the health of those we care for. Cherish the ability to talk by phone, video chat, send gifts to one another and celebrate in different ways. Happy Mother’s Day!
As of this morning, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) reports:
• 143,220 people have been tested for COVID-19
• Total positive COVID-19 cases are 22,342
• 3,059 hospitalizations
• 812 total deaths
• More locally, Henrico has 1,032 cases and 110 deaths. Chesterfield has 741 cases and 26 deaths. Richmond has 494 cases and 18 deaths. Hanover has 155 cases and 15 deaths.
• In Henrico County, people 70 and older make up 36% of the cases, but 80% of the deaths. This is concerning as the risks to seniors will increase as Virginia begins to reopen.
When you wear a mask, please make sure it covers your nose and mouth.
We have received many questions about the new employee COVID-19 case in Pavilion. This employee has a family member who previously tested positive for COVID-19. All processes were followed in allowing this employee to come to work. Some weeks ago, VDH informed us that their recommendation is to allow healthcare employees who have family members who tested positive to work as long as they are asymptomatic and abide by personal protective equipment requirements. Without these evolving guidelines, Virginia would not have the workforce available to care for our seniors. Westminster Canterbury knew that the family member had tested positive and worked with the employee to ensure diligence in wearing PPE. As soon as the employee felt symptoms, they did not come to work and were tested. We are awaiting the results of our testing and will share an update when it is available.
Please limit the number of people on the elevators to only two. Wait for the next elevator in order to maintain social distancing.
There will be no Live Update this weekend. If needed, we will send a written communication. We will be back with updates on Monday at 3 p.m.
Jason Pace
Jason shared some updates on Dining.
During evening meal deliveries, if you have not received your meal by 6:45 p.m., please call the Promenade at ext. 6259. We call everyone back who orders unless you are on the Do Not Call list. Homes on the Green meals are delivered to the back doors along the garage.
Behind the scenes in Dining, staff are working in different areas under these new operations. Staff from both the Promenade and Canterbury Room work together to operate the delivery service. Delivery walks can be up to a quarter mile each when delivering to the Courtyard and Glebe Homes. Prior to COVID-19, many of our staff had cross-trained and are able to work in Assisted Living and Parsons Health Center as needed. Both our chefs and the Canterbury Room team are all working together in the main Promenade kitchen.
The Pantry and wine delivery service has been a big success. Deliveries are made on Tuesdays for Courtyard and Homes on the Green and on Fridays for the Tower, Glebe and Garden. Forty to fifty orders are filled on each delivery day by Jason and a team of two. Ice cream and bananas are the two most popular items.
The Dining team misses you, loves you and can’t wait to see you again!
Fun Friday
Watch the video to see Eric Price, Digital Media Specialist; and Zachary Townsend, Performing Arts Technical Coordinator, perform “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”
David Curtis
Evening Prayer time will change beginning Friday, May 8, to 6:15 p.m. on TV970. The preacher for “A Sermon for Every Sunday” on Sunday, May 10, at 4 p.m. on TV970, will be Father Michael Renninger, pastor of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Richmond, Virginia. Sermon text is John 14:1-14.
Jeremiah 31:7-10
For thus says the Lord: Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob, and raise shouts for the chief of the nations; proclaim, give praise, and say, “Save, O Lord, your people, the remnant of Israel.” See, I am going to bring them from the land of the north, and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth, among them the blind and the lame, those with child and those in labor, together; a great company, they shall return here. With weeping they shall come, and with consolations I will lead them back, I will let them walk by brooks of water, in a straight path in which they shall not stumble; for I have become a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn. Hear the word of the Lord, O nations, and declare it in the coastlands far away; say, “He who scattered Israel will gather him, and will keep him as a shepherd a flock.”
Prayer
By Laura Jean Truman, Atlanta-based writer and chaplain
O God, keep my anger from becoming meanness.
Keep my sorrow from collapsing into self-pity.
Keep my heart strong enough to keep breaking.
Keep my anger turned toward injustice and not cruelty.
Remind me that all of this, every bit of it, is for love.
O God, keep me fiercely kind.
Amen