Memo-COVID-19 Weekly Update-July 23, 2020
FROM: John Burns, President and CEO, and Will Blackwell, Vice President Health Services
SUBJECT: COVID-19 Weekly Update
DATE: July 23, 2020
Throughout July, Westminster Canterbury Richmond, as with the rest of the country, is seeing an increase in cases of COVID-19 on our campus. We know that this can be a scary and confusing time, so we will continue to update you on our response to ensure the safety and well-being of our community. We remain grateful for your care and support as we navigate this disruptive pandemic together. It is critically important to remain diligent in wearing masks, washing hands and practicing social distancing.
Testing of residents and staff in Mary Morton Parsons Health Center is ongoing, with weekly testing in June and July. We are receiving test results more slowly. Our team works closely with Virginia Department of Health (VDH) on contact tracing and determining next steps to contain the spread. Many of our positive cases of COVID-19, especially in employees, have been asymptomatic. A listing of residents and employees testing positive in July follows.
Resident Cases in July
• July 6 and 8: Two residents on Parsons Health Center Second Floor. The first is asymptomatic and doing well. The second is improving daily.
• July 17: Resident on Parsons Health Center First Floor who has mild symptoms
• July 22: Resident on Parsons Health Center First Floor who is asymptomatic
Employee Cases in July
• July 5: Housekeeper in The Gables and Monticello
• July 7: Housekeeper in New Employee Orientation
• July 10, 13, and 16: Three certified nursing assistants (CNAs) who worked on all three floors of Parsons Health Center
• July 20: Genesis Rehab licensed physical therapy assistant (LPTA)
• July 22: CNA on Parsons Health Center Second Floor and overnight Security officer
Point Prevalence Survey
On July 20 and 21, Westminster Canterbury partnered with VDH and the National Guard to conduct a Point Prevalence Survey (PPS), testing all residents and staff within two days. 728 residents and 595 employees were tested, totaling 1,323 tests. For most Independent Living residents and employees who work outside of Parsons Health Center, this was their first time being tested for COVID-19. Westminster Canterbury is following up with residents and employees who were not available during the PPS. We hope to share the results within the next two weeks.
Ongoing Westminster Canterbury Richmond COVID-19 Response
Since March, Westminster Canterbury has had confirmed cases of COVID-19 in a total of seven residents and 21 employees. Four residents are currently infected and live in Parsons Health Center. So far, 12 of the 21 employees have recovered, tested negative twice and returned to work. Nine employees are recovering off campus.
Residents of Parsons Health Center continue to be under quarantine per guidelines from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Communal dining on the affected floors has stopped. All staff working throughout Parsons Health Center wear personal protective equipment. Since early March, Parsons Health Center residents have been monitored daily with temperature and symptoms screenings and checking lung sounds and oxygen levels. Enhanced cleaning measures are in place throughout the campus. A Coronavirus Incident Command team meets at least three days a week and additionally as needed to address the latest changes and needs. Employees wear masks at all times and are screened with questions and a temperature check upon arrival to campus, prior to reporting to work.
Ongoing Updates
• The latest news is 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.