Young said there is a very small percentage of tests being sent to the state lab because the Virginia Department of Health requires patients tested to meet certain criteria, such as travel history and particular symptoms.
People who don’t meet the criteria have to look to private labs for answers which creates a backlog.
This is great news.
That number, as horrific it is, gives a false sense of security of the real number of Cases already in Virginia Beach.
Visit VDH for current Official Info.
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Information Hotlines
Latest from VBGOV.com COVID EMERGENCY site
March 20, 2020
In order to “flatten the curve” of COVID-19, Virginia Governor Ralph S. Northam issued a Public Health Emergency Order mandating that all restaurants, fitness centers, and theaters “reduce seating capacity to 10 patrons” at a given time. To meet this mandate, the Virginia Beach Department of Public Health (Health Department) and the Virginia Beach Police Department are working together to protect the health and safety of the community. In doing so, we are educating local establishments to insure voluntary compliance. Please be informed that noncompliance with the emergency order may result in the suspension of the establishment’s operating permit.
We recognize the important service these establishments provide in our community, not only through the provision of food, drink, and entertainment, but also by supporting our local economy. However, to reduce the spread of COVID-19 virus, everyone must work together. The Health Department are asking restaurants, fitness centers, and theaters to strictly adhere to the executive order until otherwise noted. While we do not intend to assertively patrol local businesses in search of those in violation of this order, we will respond to complaints for such violations as authorized in the Public Health Emergency Order. By working together we will stay strong, healthy, and overcome the challenges posed by this disease.
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SMALL BUSINESS EMBRACING PROTECTING OTHER HUMANS!
What is already known about this topic?
Early data from China suggest that a majority of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) deaths have occurred among adults aged ≥60 years and among persons with serious underlying health conditions.
What is added by this report?
This first preliminary description of outcomes among patients with COVID-19 in the United States indicates that fatality was highest in persons aged ≥85, ranging from 10% to 27%, followed by 3% to 11% among persons aged 65–84 years . . .
PLEASE NOTE: “NUMBER OF PEOPLE TESTED” & “CASES” ARE DRASTICALLY UNDER REPORTING THE REAL NUMBER OF CASES DUE TO LACK OR TESTING RESOURCES TODAY
R E S P E C T S O C I A L D I S T A N C I N G
View article at Pilotonline.com
The draw was a new drive-through testing service for COVID-19, an infectious disease caused by a new virus the World Health Organization has labeled a pandemic.
What’s one way you can help?
Lobby for DRIVE THRU TESTING TENTS TO BE LOCATED IN SHORE DRIVE COMMUNITY NOW TO ATTEMPT TO BEND THE CURVE
Note: Original Press Release Noted Lockdown starting March 17th 2020 originally.
As of March 16, 2020, we are no longer accepting visitors to any level of care on our campus.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Preparedness & Response
UPDATE: March 15, 2020
The spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) both in the United States and abroad has many of us deeply concerned. Please know Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay is taking appropriate measures to protect the health and well-being of residents, teammates, and their families.
Our leadership team is diligently monitoring updates by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and state and local health departments and following their recommended guidelines.
As a Life Plan Community which includes some nursing center residents at a high-risk for respiratory illnesses, we already have in place robust protocols to avoid flu and other illnesses. We have an excellent track record over the years with flu prevention on our campus because we follow best practices and protocols.
For COVID-19, we have also implemented more drastic measures specific to this virus. These measures include:
As of March 17, 2020, we are no longer accepting visitors to any level of care on our campus.
We are screening all team members who enter our campus.
We are asking all residents to refrain from leaving and re-entering the campus unless medically necessary in order to reduce the risk of exposure.
We will suspend all campus transportation except for medical appointments, and convert that department into a personal shopping/delivery service for necessary items and groceries.
We are discouraging attendance at group gatherings, but Lifelong Learning and other events will be broadcast on our internal television station whenever possible.
We will continue to dine in our on-campus restaurants, but we are making plans for delivery of food if we deem that to be advisable.
In our Stone Rehab and Hoy Nursing Center, we are continuing to follow the request of the President of the United States and limiting visits to only medical/service visitors. No visits are allowed by family members who live off of our campus. We are permitting Hospice patients to receive family members in accordance with their end of life wishes, after a visitor health screening has been completed.
We are continuing to screen all who enter and work in our Hoy Nursing Center and staff is posted at these entryways for this purpose.
Any visitors, vendors or team members with respiratory illness symptoms, a fever, or who have been on a cruise, or have traveled internationally within the past 14 days will not be allowed inside our campus.
Residents traveling internationally will be in a 14-day quarantine upon their return to campus to ensure they do not have COVID-19 and to limit the risk of transmission to the rest of the community. We have asked all residents planning a trip to any location outside of the United States to consult with their medical provider to discuss travel plans, how to protect themselves, and what to do when they return.
We strongly encourage team members and residents to follow CDC recommended practices which are proven to prevent the spread of COVID-19, such as thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water; covering your cough; staying at home if you are sick; avoiding close contact with others who are sick; and carefully wiping down desks, computers, tables, door handles, etc., with disinfectant cleaners. We have posted signs on our entryway doors to notify visitors of the symptoms of COVID-19 with a request that visitors do not enter if they are experiencing these symptoms.
In closing, we want to assure you that providing a safe and healthy environment for employees and residents is a top priority at Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay. We are dedicated to the well-being of our residents and team members.
Thank you for your confidence and support.
J. Benjamin Unkle, Jr.
President & CEO
Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay
March 10, 2020
Media Contact: Larry Hill: larry.hill@vdh.virginia.gov
(Virginia Beach, VA.) – The Virginia Beach Health Department announced that two residents have tested “presumptive positive” for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). These cases mark the first two cases in the Virginia Beach Health District, and the sixth and seventh cases in the Commonwealth of Virginia. All reported cases in Virginia have been travel related and there is no evidence of community transmission of COVID19 in Virginia.
“We are aware that exposure for these two individuals are travel related,” said Virginia Beach Health Director Dr. Demetria Lindsay. “The Public Health Department is in close communication with the two travelers and their care providers, and is conducting a thorough investigation of potential exposures. The two individuals are in stable condition and remain in isolation at this time.”
The two patients (a male in his 60’s and female in her 50’s) traveled on a Nile River cruise, which recently reported COVID-19 cases. They returned to United States on March 5. On Sunday March 8, the patients were tested at a Virginia Beach hospital. The positive test results returned today are considered presumptive, pending confirmation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 can cause mild to more severe respiratory illness. Symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. In a small proportion of patients, COVID-19 can cause complications, including death, particularly among those who are older or who have chronic medical conditions. Symptoms appear within 14 days of being exposed to an infectious person. COVID-19 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
To lower the risk of respiratory germ spread, including COVID-19, the Virginia Department of Health encourages the following effective behaviors:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer only if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Avoid contact with sick people.
- Avoid non-essential travel.
This is a rapidly changing situation, and information is being shared as it becomes available on the following websites: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus or www.vdh.virgina.gov/coronavirus/. Please consult www.vdh.virgina.gov/coronavirus for the latest number of COVID-19 cases in Virginia.
The Virginia Department of Health has also activated a public information line, 877-ASK-VDH3, for questions from residents about the novel coronavirus situation.
The spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) both in the United States and abroad has many of us deeply concerned. Please know Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay is taking appropriate measures to protect the health and well-being of residents, teammates, and their families.
Our leadership team is diligently monitoring updates by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and state and local health departments and following their recommended guidelines.
As a Life Plan Community which includes some nursing center residents at a high-risk for respiratory illnesses, we already have in place robust protocols to avoid flu and other illnesses. We have an excellent track record over the years with flu prevention on our campus because we follow best practices and protocols.
For COVID-19, we have also implemented more drastic measures specific to this virus. These measures include:
In our Stone Rehab and Hoy Nursing Center, we are following the request of the President of the United States and limiting visits to ONLY MEDICAL/SERVICE visitors. No visits are allowed by family members who live off of our campus. We are permitting Hospice patients to receive family members in accordance with their end of life wishes, after a visitor health screening has been completed.
We are screening all who visit and work in our Hoy Nursing Center and staff is posted at these entryways for this purpose.We discourage social visitation by guests, including family members, for Independent Living and Enhanced Serices (Assisted Living) residents. Guests visiting IL and ES residents will be screened at the Courtesy Desk.
Any visitors, vendors or team members with respiratory illness symptoms, a fever, or who have been on a cruise, or have traveled internationally within the past 14 days will not be allowed inside our campus.
Additionally, residents traveling internationally will be in a 14-day quarantine upon their return to campus to ensure they do not have COVID-19 and to limit the risk of transmission to the rest of the community. We have asked all residents planning a trip to any location outside of the United States to consult with their medical provider to discuss travel plans, how to protect themselves, and what to do when they return.We strongly encourage team members and residents to follow CDC recommended practices which are proven to prevent the spread of COVID-19, such as thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water; covering your cough; staying at home if you are sick; avoiding close contact with others who are sick; and carefully wiping down desks, computers, tables, door handles, etc., with disinfectant cleaners. We have posted signs on our entryway doors to notify visitors of the symptoms of COVID-19 with a request that visitors do not enter if they are experiencing these symptoms.
In closing, we want to assure you that providing a safe and healthy environment for employees and residents is a top priority at Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay. We are dedicated to the well-being of our residents and team members and are doing everything in our power to combat COVID-19.
Thank you for your confidence and support.
Benjamin Unkle, Jr.
President & CEO
Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay
RICHMOND—Governor Ralph Northam today declared a state of emergency in the Commonwealth of Virginia in response to the continued spread of novel coronavirus, or COVID-19.
While Virginia has been thoroughly preparing for weeks and has adequate funding to address the situation, this declaration will allow the Commonwealth increased flexibility to ease regulatory requirements and procurement rules, continue federal and multi-state coordination, and ensure continued access to critical services for the most vulnerable Virginians. In addition, it has become increasingly clear that states must take a primary leadership role in the national response to COVID-19. The full text of the Governor’s emergency declaration is available here.
“Our top priority is to make sure Virginians stay safe and healthy, and that our response to this situation leaves no one behind,” said Governor Northam. “From our health department, to our schools, to our hospitals, to our transit systems, Virginia’s agencies and institutions have been thoroughly planning for every scenario. This emergency declaration will ensure we can continue to prepare for and appropriately respond to Virginians’ needs during this time.”
Governor Northam also announced additional steps to ensure the health and safety of all Virginians, including:
Ban on State Employee Travel and Implementation of Telework Policies
Virginia has over 100,000 state employees stationed throughout the Commonwealth. Governor Northam has halted all official travel outside of Virginia by state employees, with increased flexibility for inter-state commuters and essential personnel. Specific guidance will be released to agency heads and state employees, and Virginia will revisit these guidelines after 30 days.
Governor Northam has also directed his Secretary of Administration to implement a phased transition to teleworking for state employees. The Department of Human Resources Management will work with the Virginia Department of Health’s Equity Workgroup to prioritize support for impacted state employees that may be unable to perform their duties from home, including janitorial, food, and grounds staff.
The Department of Human Resources Management has worked to ensure all agencies have updated emergency operations and leave policies. State employees, including part-time employees, can access paid Public Health Emergency Leave in the event of exposure to COVID-19 or high-risk travel.
Public Gatherings and Large Events
In accordance with advice from state public health experts, the Commonwealth of Virginia will cancel all specially-scheduled state conferences and large events for a minimum of 30 days.
Governor Northam is directing state agencies, through the Department of Human Resource Management, to limit in-person meetings and non-essential, work-related gatherings.
Governor Northam is also urging localities and non-profits to limit large public events, effective immediately. Localities should make these decisions in coordination with their local health departments and the Virginia Department of Health. Highly populated localities and those with close proximity to positive cases are strongly encouraged to announce updated event guidance by Friday, March 13, at 5:00 PM, in advance of the weekend.
Long-Term Economic Planning
Governor Northam is also assessing the potential long-term economic impacts of COVID-19. While containing the spread of the public health threat remains a top priority, Governor Northam is working with state and local partners to ensure Virginia are prepared for any continued economic disruption.
Virginia’s Secretary of Commerce and Trade will coordinate regularly with representatives from the Virginia Employment Commission, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Department of Housing and Community Development, the Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity, the Department of Labor and Industry, the Virginia Tax Commission, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and other relevant stakeholders.
Throughout his administration, Governor Northam has worked closely with state legislators to protect Virginia’s strong economy and prepare for unexpected economic shocks. The General Assembly will vote today on a budget that boosts Virginia’s reserve funds more than at any other time in the Commonwealth’s history, an essential mechanism to ensure continued state services regardless of economic uncertainty.
Ongoing State Response Efforts
The Commonwealth of Virginia is continuing to execute a multi-agency response plan across all levels of government. Efforts include the following:
Schools
The Department of Education has advised all school districts to update their pandemic guidelines, in consultation with their local health departments.
The Northam administration continues to be in regular communication with superintendents, university and community college presidents, to provide guidance on the unique situations they are facing on the ground.Nursing Homes
The Virginia Department of Health has expanded its testing criteria to ensure that anyone who has symptoms and is in a nursing home is top priority and gets immediate testing.
Nursing homes and senior care facilities have updated their policies to provide additional visitor screening and increased monitoring of patients.Vulnerable Virginians
Virginia’s social services agencies are preparing options to ensure the most vulnerable populations have continued access to critical services, including the potential for in-home care and food supports.
In the event of extended school closures, the Virginia Department of Social Services is working with local partners, such as food pantries, to ensure no one goes hungry.Addressing Barriers to Care
Virginia is working with insurers to waive co-pays and diagnostic testing related to COVID-19.
Governor Northam continues to encourage private businesses to explore telework and paid time off options, including those with hourly workers.Transportation
Across the Commonwealth’s transportation network, which includes airports, Metro, buses, and rail, the Virginia Department of Transportation is adjusting cleaning schedules according to CDC protocol.
Virginia is training all transportation employees to spot indications of COVID-19, help reduce the potential spread of disease, and provide accurate information on symptoms, prevention, and diagnostic testing.
VIRGINIA BEACH COVID-19 WEBSITE
VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH COVID-19 WEBSITE
VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COVID-19 WEBSITE
CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL & PREVENTION COVID-19 WEBSITE
“My job is not to scare you out of your wits it’s to scare you into your wits.”
I am a long time resident and a local Realtor that has clients living in the immediate area of Ocean Shore Ave and other condos down there. I also am currently representing a buyer that is concerned about a purchase on Urchin Rd because of the Westminster expansion. There are many concerns about personal property being devalued (city assessments are already dropping in the immediate area). I am also seriously concerned that because of the money and influence from the residents of Westminster this will get pushed through one way or another and any high rise of that caliber will have a high impact of the values there. Construction will have an environmental impact. And a high rise being allowed will open the way for new and similar developments and negatively impact the community.
The area of Shore Drive surrounding Westminster is a close and intimate community. If residents here wanted high rise living we would be at the ocean front. In order to preserve living style diversity we need to reserve some beach front areas as quiet community living.
This area of the city must have more senior care facilities. Independent living as well as assisted living are a going to be a big growth factor in less than ten years. The current Westminster Canterbury buildings on Shore Drive have been good for the neighborhood for over thirty years. They haven proven time and time again that they do a lot of good for the community and local area. Let them expand and build additional building. They are the number one provider of a full service living home environment in America Which treats all seniors medical and living needs. Westminster Canterbury is a not for profit run base organization. They give back to their residents and local area non residents, senior medical care needed. If Westminster Canterbury does not make this investment to build a first class “state of the latest” building, then some other will build and it would be a real eye sore investor run failure of a senior center. Thank you
I live and work here. While Westminster has good people there, I also think we must take into consideration the experience of the neighborhoods around it. The proposed construction is too big and I believe will have a negative impact on neighbors.
I live in Baylake Pines and have on and off since 1955. The high density housing that is going on everywhere along SD is ruining the ambience and qualities of life here. The destruction of view shed Thursday, Feb 13th at Lesner Bridge should serve as huge example. The city should reign in the exploration of this once very beautiful area.
I live on Starfish Road – so the traffic, parking and loss of the publicly owned beach access affect my quality of life greatly. The proposal is too big for the area – I have concerns about how this affects the Thursday, Feb 13th EMS services response times if they are tied up at WC like they were in December when there was a laundry room fire at WC (15+ EMS units on site).
Note: One random comment from each PDF highlighted above. There are hundreds who responded.
#WeLoveShoreDrive 