Memo-COVID-19 Update-January 15, 2021
FROM: John Burns, President and CEO; Will Blackwell, Vice President Health Services; Debra Jacobsen, Administrator Residential Living; and Sloan Verlander, Administrator Assisted Living
SUBJECT: COVID-19 Update
DATE: January 15, 2021
Thank you for your care, support and strength as we continue to weather these challenging times together!
Mary Morton Parsons Health Center
Today, Westminster Canterbury Richmond learned that two Parsons Health Center Third Floor residents tested positive for COVID-19 during this week’s routine testing. These residents moved to the COVID-19 positive unit where a total of six residents are being cared for by a dedicated team that works only in this unit. Four of these residents are from Parsons Health Center, one from The Gables and one from Independent Living. Parsons Health Center residents and employees will receive their second vaccination doses on January 25-26. Third Floor will remain in quarantine until Thursday, January 28. First Floor continues in quarantine until Saturday, January 23.
Assisted Living
The Gables and Monticello are in quarantine until Saturday, January 23. Vaccination for Assisted Living in partnership with CVS Health is scheduled to begin on February 15-16. Vaccination clinic details are being shared directly with Assisted Living residents, family members and medical POAs.
Independent Living
Vaccination for Independent Living in partnership with CVS Health is scheduled to begin on February 15-16. Resident Services will share more detailed instructions and schedules early next week. Thank you for your patience and understanding as these plans are created.
Employee Cases
Today we learned that a Parsons Health Center Private Duty Sitter has tested positive for COVID-19. Sixteen employees have tested positive for COVID-19 and are recovering in quarantine or are asymptomatic.
Vaccination Updates
We remain in close contact with Virginia Department of Health (VDH) to explore possible ways for vaccination to happen sooner and will provide updates when possible. In the meantime, we hope you will share our excitement to have these dates confirmed. VDH is developing strategies and partnerships to accelerate distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine. Virginia is currently in Phase 1a and 1b of distribution. Henrico County is in Phase 1a and plans to expand to Phase 1b on Monday, January 18. Phase 1a is focused on healthcare personnel and residents of long-term care facilities. Phase 1b expands to include people age 65+, frontline essential workers and others. Vaccines will be administered through a combination of regional mass vaccination events, as well as partnerships with various providers. Vaccination of Phase 1a populations will continue as the region opens up to Phase 1b. You can read more information here: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/covid-19-vaccine/
Follow the Core Principles of COVID-19 Infection Prevention
Westminster Canterbury follows the latest guidance from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and VDH in our response to the pandemic. Please take special care to stay home, monitor yourself for symptoms of COVID-19 and follow these guidelines in the coming weeks to help protect yourself and others. Always wear a mask when around others. Wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizer. Always maintain social distancing of at least six feet. Stay home if you do not feel well and contact your physician. In-person gatherings with individuals outside your household are discouraged. Stay connected by phone or in virtual ways.
Ongoing Updates
• Stay up to date on www.WCRICHMOND.org with the COVID-19 Update page and blog.
• Live Update videos air on our in-house TV970. Recordings are available on www.WCRICHMOND.org, www.facebook.com/wcrichmond or TV971 daily at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Our next Live Update is Tuesday, January 19, at 3 p.m.
Thank you!