HENRICO COUNTY, Va. -- A group of faith leaders gathered in front of COVID-19-afflicted Canterbury Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center to sing and pray from the residents and staff on Easter.
The death toll at the facility climbed to 40 residents as of Friday, a spokesperson for the center confirmed. Additionally, more than 100 people have tested positive for the virus at the center located off Gayton Road, which is the site of the largest COVID-19 cluster in Henrico.
Pastor Grace Tolliver with Greater Brook Road Baptist Church is hopeful the show of support and praise Sunday afternoon will lift up the people who live there and those who care for them.
"They are locked in, and they can't come out," Tolliver explained. "But we can come to them, and offer them some hope, offer them some encouragement. You know the mind has a lot of do with how you heal. "
Tolliver said she wants faith groups to come to the facility each weekend to show support for the residents and staff.
Numbers released Sunday by the Virginia Department of Health now show more than 5,270 positive tests for the coronavirus in the state.
Henrico County has the third highest number of COVID-19 cases at 375 as of Sunday at 375. Fairfax County leads the state with 1,008 cases and Prince William is second with 389 cases.
The death count has increased from 130 to 141.
COVID-19 Precautions
Most patients with COVID-19 have mild to moderate symptoms. However, in a small proportion of patients, COVID-19 can lead to more severe illness, including death, particularly among those who are older or those who have chronic medical conditions.
COVID-19 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Symptoms appear within 14 days of being exposed to an infectious person.
Virginia health officials urged the following precautions:
- 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.