Memo: COVID-19 Update-June 3, 2020
FROM: John Burns, President and CEO; and Will Blackwell, Vice President Health Services
SUBJECT: Parsons Health Center Resident Tests Positive for COVID-19
DATE: June 3, 2020
On Tuesday, June 2, Westminster Canterbury Richmond learned that a resident of Mary Morton Parsons Health Center has tested positive for COVID-19. This resident was hospitalized in mid-May and was likely exposed at the hospital. She returned to Westminster Canterbury over the weekend and subsequently tested positive for COVID-19. Because of this resident’s situation, she has been under quarantine for her entire stay in Parsons Health Center. Staff uses precautions when providing care for her by always wearing personal protective equipment. It is unlikely that anyone at Westminster Canterbury is at risk of being exposed to COVID-19 by this resident.
Daily life in Parsons Health Center will stay the same. Since early March, Parsons Health Center residents have been monitored daily with temperature and symptoms screenings and checking lung sounds and oxygen levels. Employees use proper personal protective equipment. Communal dining with social distancing will continue.
Thank you for your care and understanding as we work to keep your loved ones safe and healthy. We will update you as we have more details to share.
Baseline Testing
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued guidance for nursing homes that recommends testing residents and staff for COVID-19. Westminster Canterbury tested all Parsons Health Center residents. As of Monday, June 1, all residents in Parsons Health Center tested negative for COVID-19. The resident who tested positive returned from the hospital after this round of testing.
Westminster Canterbury Richmond COVID-19 Response
Since March, Westminster Canterbury has had confirmed cases of COVID-19 in a total of three residents and 12 employees. Two residents live in Independent Living, received treatment in the hospital and returned home to recover in Mary Morton Parsons Health Center. Both subsequently tested negative for COVID-19. The third resident tested positive on June 2. Employees must test negative for COVID-19 twice with the tests administered at least 24 hours apart prior to returning to work. So far, 10 of the 12 employees have recovered, tested negative twice and returned to work. One continues to recover off campus. One tested positive on Tuesday, June 2.
Since the beginning of March, a Coronavirus Task Force comprised of staff from various departments, including an RN Infection Preventionist, met to review existing policies and procedures related to infectious diseases and to plan for other concerns. We follow 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). A Coronavirus Incident Command team meets at least three days a week and additionally as needed to address the latest changes and needs. Every employee is screened with questions and a temperature check upon arrival to campus, prior to reporting to work. Since early April, all employees wear masks at all times to reduce the risk of asymptomatic spread of the virus. Since late May, all residents are required to wear masks in public spaces. We are working diligently to keep residents and employees healthy, and we are beginning to take our first steps toward restarting, reengaging and reopening our campus.
As we continue to investigate and respond, we will share updates.
• The latest news is always available on our blog at www.WCRICHMOND.org.
• Currently, we do live video updates on our in-house TV970 station on weekdays at 3 p.m. and other times as needed. The updates include the latest news from John Burns, information on services being provided to residents and family members, and Pastoral Care moments to lift our spirits.
• Recordings of the live video updates are available later on the blog at www.WCRICHMOND.org, at www.facebook.com/wcrichmond, or hourly on TV971 for those on campus.