Westminster Canterbury Richmond Video Update to Residents-March 27, 2020-10 a.m.
Westminster Canterbury Richmond is keeping our residents up-to-date on the latest news related to our COVID-19 response. Hear from our 10 a.m. live update to residents from John Burns, President and CEO, Russ Aaronson, Corporate Board Chair; Dr. Danny Avula, Director of Richmond and Henrico Health Districts; and Lynn McClintock, Director Pastoral Care.
The following updates were shared during the live briefing on TV970.
John Burns
Two special guests are joining us this morning. Updates on programs and services will be shared at 3 p.m.
Russ Aaronson, Corporate Board Chair
Thoughts from Westminster Canterbury Richmond’s Corporate Board
“I’m honored that John invited me to say a few words about the Corporate Board and our impression of the events that have unfolded over the past several weeks. We are fully up to speed on the crisis surrounding the spread of the coronavirus in Virginia, and most significantly, how it has affected everyone’s lives at Westminster Canterbury. John and his Executive Team have kept us informed on a daily basis as events in the region and on campus have unfolded, and for that we are very grateful. On behalf of the Corporate Board, I can tell you that we could not be more pleased with the job the staff has done to assess what has been a rapidly unfolding situation and swiftly implement a plan of action to keep all residents and staff safe. I understand fully how challenging it has been. Some staff have been sent home, residents have been confined to their homes, and things that we all take for granted, such as going to the dining rooms and simply enjoying the outdoors, have been cut off for a time. In the face of this adversity, we are amazed at the professionalism of the staff and the patience and selfless support of the residents. That has enabled Westminster Canterbury to manage this crisis in the best way possible. You truly have shown that you embody the spirit of Westminster Canterbury, and on behalf of the Board of Directors, we appreciate it more than you can know. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me if there’s anything we can do as a Board to help you through this time of such great uncertainty and apprehension. We’re here to serve you. Thank you.”
John Burns
Dr. Danny Avula, Director of Richmond and Henrico Health Districts, has been a great partner with Westminster Canterbury Richmond as our team responded to our single case of COVID-19 on campus.
Danny Avula
John Burns, Tracey Powell, Infection Preventionist RN, and the team have been wonderful to work with. The staff has executed infection control plans while also taking great care of the residents. We know it has been a challenge to stay in your homes and not see friends and family. Thank you for heeding social distancing guidelines and staying in your apartments. The Department of Health is asking everyone to make these drastic behavioral changes during these times.
The case counts in Virginia have more than doubled from 221 to 460. This is a rapid rise. A week ago, other states around the country like Michigan, Illinois and Louisiana were around 250-400 cases, and now they are between 2,500-3,500 cases. This is a serious public health crisis. The decisions to close schools and ask people to stay home are necessary to help manage the situation. Please stay connected with your friends and loved ones on the phone, FaceTime or Skype.
There have been other assisted living and nursing home facilities in the region with confirmed cases, including at Canterbury Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, where the situation has been very challenging. It is not affiliated with Westminster Canterbury Richmond, where there have been no additional confirmed cases of COVID-19. The response of Westminster Canterbury has been very strong.
John Burns
There will be live briefings today at 3 p.m. and tomorrow at 10 a.m. There will be no briefing on Sunday. Beginning Monday, March 30, there will be one daily briefing at 3 p.m. unless something changes.
Lynn McClintock
Isaiah 40:28-31
Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless. Even youths will faint and be weary, and the young will fall exhausted; but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.
Prayer
Gracious God, we know that these are difficult times, but they are not times without joy. Help us to take note and bring into our hearts those things that are giving us power and encouragement. Help us to dwell on these things and unwind our minds, deepen our breath, and to see that the world around us is brimming with beauty. Good is all around us, and we give you praise for all the good. We thank you for adding another day onto our lives. Help each of us make it the best day possible. With your strength, we will walk and not faint. Amen.