Memo-COVID-19 Update-November 6, 2020
FROM: John Burns, President and CEO; Will Blackwell, Vice President Health Services; Debra Jacobsen, Administrator Resident Services; and Sloan Verlander, Administrator Assisted Living
SUBJECT: COVID-19 Update
DATE: November 6, 2020
We share the following updates about how the coronavirus pandemic is impacting our community. Westminster Canterbury Richmond follows the latest guidance from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Virginia Department of Health (VDH) in our response.
Holiday Considerations
As we enter into the holiday season, we must consider the realities of the global pandemic and how they will affect our activities. This year’s celebrations will look different from past years. It is critical that we continue to follow the core principles of COVID-19 Infection Prevention that keep us safe. Our current Visitation Guidelines and limitations on the number of visitors will apply throughout the holiday season. Mary Morton Parsons Health Center residents who leave our community for holiday gatherings will be required to quarantine for 14 days upon return. Please see the Family Visitation and Holiday Guidelines for all the details.
Assisted Living
Today, November 6, Westminster Canterbury learned that a Certified Nursing Assistant-Medication Aide who works the 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. shift in The Gables area of Assisted Living tested positive for COVID-19. This employee last worked on October 29 and developed symptoms a few days later. This employee does not have a high level of interaction with residents and had not worked within 48 hours of developing symptoms. After consulting with VDH, we do not have to take any action. We anticipate that the risk of exposure is minimal. As always, we will continue to monitor residents for symptoms and test them as needed.
Mary Morton Parsons Health Center
Today, November 6, we learned during testing that a resident in Parsons Health Center First Floor West has tested positive for COVID-19. This resident previously tested positive for COVID-19 in June.
As we previously shared, on Wednesday, November 4, we learned that a Dining employee from Parsons Health Center First Floor tested positive for COVID-19 during routine testing. Due to this new case, Parsons Health Center First Floor West residents are under quarantine until Tuesday, November 17, per guidelines from VDH. Communal dining and other activities in this area are suspended. If we receive additional positive test results, the date of quarantine may change.
Additionally, a private sitter from Parsons Health Center Third Floor tested positive for COVID-19. Those affected are being contacted directly.
Parsons Health Center continues to test employees weekly, per the guidelines from CMS and based on positivity rates in Henrico County. Due to these new cases, Parsons Health Center residents will also be tested.
Family visitation for all areas of Parsons Health Center is suspended until Thursday, November 19, except in end-of-life and compassionate care situations.
Follow the Core Principles of COVID-19 Infection Prevention
These principles are key to keeping us safe and healthy. We must remain vigilant in following these guidelines.
• Wear a mask at all times when around others.
• Wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizer.
• Always maintain social distancing of at least six feet.
• Everyone must be screened before entering our community.
• Follow enhanced safety and disinfection recommendations from the CDC, CMS and VDH.
• Stay home if you do not feel well and contact your physician. Visitors will not be permitted to enter if they have any signs or symptoms of COVID-19.
Westminster Canterbury Richmond COVID-19 Case Summary
We are committed to continued transparency about our COVID-19 response and cases in our residents and staff. Since March, Westminster Canterbury has had confirmed cases of COVID-19 in a total of 15 residents and 38 employees. All residents have recovered. One subsequently tested positive again. So far, 33 of the 38 employees have recovered, tested negative twice and returned to work.
Ongoing Updates
• We encourage you to stay up-to-date with us online. Check the COVID-19 Update page at www.WCRICHMOND.org for what to expect when visiting our community and more.
• Live Update videos air on our in-house TV970 station on Thursdays at 3 p.m. and other times as needed. Recordings are available later on www.WCRICHMOND.org, www.facebook.com/wcrichmond or on TV971 daily at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.