Press Release: Westminster Canterbury Richmond COVID-19 Response-April 3, 2020
PRESS RELEASE
A second resident of Westminster Canterbury Richmond, a continuing care retirement/life plan community, has been diagnosed with COVID-19. The resident resides in Independent Living and is being treated in the hospital.
Westminster Canterbury’s first case was confirmed on March 16. This resident recovered in the hospital and returned to Westminster Canterbury, where he has since tested negative for COVID-19 and returned to his residence.
In both cases, Westminster Canterbury has worked closely with public health officials, who are partnering with Westminster Canterbury healthcare staff. Virginia Department of Health officials, in collaboration with Westminster Canterbury, are now determining who may have come into contact with the second resident.
Starting at 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 make a plan for other concerns. Our existing infection control policies and procedures guide us as we work to prevent the spread of infection and control it as necessary.
• On March 4, staff began tracking the travel plans of residents, staff and their families in order to monitor those travelling to affected areas.
• On March 11, as soon as a case was confirmed in greater Richmond, Westminster Canterbury took strides to lock down the campus, closing the campus to visitors and screening everyone who entered campus, including all staff members, with questions and temperature screenings.
• On March 17, after the first case was confirmed at Westminster Canterbury, all residents went into self-quarantine, staying in their apartments and limiting interactions. Self-quarantine measures have been in place ever since. All needs of residents are attended to by staff.
Virginia Department of Health will be involved throughout the process.
About Westminster Canterbury Richmond:
Westminster Canterbury Richmond was founded in 1971 by the Episcopal and Presbyterian churches and opened in 1975. An award-winning, fully-accredited, not-for-profit continuing care retirement/life plan community, Westminster Canterbury is home to nearly 900 residents in independent, assisted, memory support and healthcare living. The organization is listed in the top-10 largest single-site non-profit life plan communities in the United States by LeadingAge Ziegler. Westminster Canterbury Foundation is an affiliated not-for-profit that raises funds for the charitable purposes of the organization. Additional information about Westminster Canterbury Richmond is available at www.wcrichmond.org.