Canterbury Rehabilitation: Seven confirmed COVID-19 deaths, plus two unconfirmed

Tuesday morning, Canterbury Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center in Henrico County reported that seven residents with confirmed cases of COVID-19 have died, and two other deaths from the past week are thought to be related to the disease.

In total, the center said in a news release, 41 residents have tested positive for the virus, including 22 new cases in the past four days. Of that group, 32 are receiving treatment either at a regional hospital or in an isolated ward at Canterbury.

In a statement from Administrator Jeremiah Davis, the center has started testing all staff and patients for the virus, and all are being monitored for symptoms. “Canterbury has secured and distributed [personal protection equipment] to all of our employees,” Davis said. “All COVID-19 patients at Canterbury are being cared for in an isolated unit. The COVID wing contains three hallways that each have a closed door with an isolation cart outside each door. Staff uses a dedicated external entrance, with shower and foot/shoe cleaning stations.”

To address the “industry-wide staffing crunch,” Canterbury has contracted with staffing agencies and temporarily doubled nursing staff wages, Davis said in the statement. “As of Monday, staffing levels had stabilized.”

Families of Canterbury residents can call a dedicated phone line to ask questions, and the center has made tablets available so family members can video-call residents.

“Our hearts go out to the families of those who have passed, and we deeply feel the loss within our community,” Davis said. “We also recognize this is an incredibly stressful time for anyone with an elderly or infirm loved one, particularly in a group setting.”