Memo-COVID-19 Update-August 21, 2020
FROM: John Burns, President and CEO; and Will Blackwell, Vice President Health Services
SUBJECT: COVID-19 Update
DATE: August 21, 2020
Westminster Canterbury Richmond is committed to continued transparency in our COVID-19 response and cases in our residents and staff. We are taking many precautions and following the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and Virginia Department of Health (VDH). We are focused on refining processes and remaining diligent in testing and contact tracing to manage the current COVID-19 cases affecting our community.
Avalon Update
Due to exposure to an employee who later tested positive for COVID-19, Avalon residents are under quarantine in their apartments for 14 days from the date of exposure per guidelines from VDH. This quarantine will end on Saturday, August 29. While there are no Avalon residents currently showing signs or symptoms of COVID-19, residents are monitored daily with temperature and symptoms screenings and checking lung sounds and oxygen levels. Anyone who exhibits symptoms will be tested for COVID-19.
Mary Morton Parsons Health Center Update
On Wednesday, August 19, two Parsons Health Center Second Floor residents tested positive for COVID-19 during routine testing, and both are asymptomatic. Two residents in the COVID-19 positive unit have tested negative twice and returned to their Parsons Health Center apartments yesterday and today.
Residents and staff of Parsons Health Center have been tested on an ongoing basis per the recommendations from CMS. Due to exposure to an employee, Parsons Health Center First Floor residents will dine in their rooms. All hallways will be closed. These additional precautions will end Tuesday, September 1.
The following three residents are currently being cared for in the COVID-19 positive unit until they recover and receive two negative test results. They are listed as of the date when they tested positive. All three are asymptomatic for COVID-19. This unit is closed to all residents and staff except the assigned care teams that only work in this area.
• August 12: Resident from Parsons Health Center Second Floor
• August 19: Two residents from Parsons Health Center Second Floor
Independent Living Update
We continue to work toward safe next steps to reopen our community. Beginning September 8, Dining will introduce a new carryout service and begin taking reservation for parties of four in the Promenade for lunch and dinner. The grocery shuttle will operate Monday through Friday. Publix grocery deliveries will end September 3. Please check The Tales next week for the details on these service changes.
Employee Cases
Every employee is screened with questions about symptoms and exposure and a temperature check upon arrival to campus, prior to reporting to work. We are making changes to schedules to reduce the risk of exposure throughout our community. The following employees were diagnosed with COVID-19 and are recovering in quarantine.
• July 31: Certified Nursing Assistant-Medication Aide (CNA-MA) in Avalon
• August 7: Housekeeping employee on Parsons Health Center Second Floor
• August 10: Resident Services employee
• August 17: Housekeeping employee who worked on all floors of Avalon and Parsons Health Center First Floor
• August 18: Registered Nurse who works in the COVID-19 Positive Unit
Westminster Canterbury Richmond COVID-19 Cases Summary
Since March, Westminster Canterbury has had confirmed cases of COVID-19 in a total of 13 residents and 28 employees. Ten residents have recovered. Three Parsons Health Center residents are currently isolated in our COVID-19 positive unit. So far, 23 of the 28 employees have recovered, tested negative twice and returned to work. Five employees are still recovering in quarantine.
Keys to Keeping Our Community Healthy
Wear a mask correctly. Wash your hands and use hand sanitizer frequently. Maintain social distancing of six feet or more from others everywhere you go. Stay home if you don’t feel well. Thank you for all you do to protect yourselves and those around you!
Ongoing Updates
• The latest news and past updates are always available on our blog at www.WCRICHMOND.org.
• Live video updates air on our in-house TV970 station on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3 p.m. and other times as needed. Recordings are available later on www.WCRICHMOND.org, www.facebook.com/wcrichmond, or hourly on TV971 on campus.