During this time of concern over the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, The Barry Robinson Center’s (BRC) top priority is always the health and safety of residents, staff, families and visitors to campus. 

BRC’s leadership team monitors the Centers for Disease Control, the Virginia Department of Health, and the World Health Organization daily to ensure access to the latest information on prevention measures. 

With any outbreak of infectious disease, cases often spike quickly and can be plotted on a bell-shaped curve. Protective measures to prevent the spread of illness help “flatten the curve” and reduce impacts to the community. 

Per CDC guidance, the best way to prevent the illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus through Social Distancing. By increasing Social Distancing, medical experts believe communities will be successful in decreasing exposure, decreasing the spike in the number of incidents, and decreasing the burden on our health care system. 

BRC has implemented several restrictions for “social distancing” to “flatten the curve” for the campus and the community. 

For Employees 

• Attendance at conferences and training, as well as any work-related air travel, has been canceled.
• Non-essential personnel have been asked to work from home if possible. When this is not possible, directors are using flex time to decrease the number of staff on campus at any one time. 
• BRC continue to reinforce that staff self-monitor and if they do not feel well, to stay home. 
• If nursing staff assess an employee is ill, they have the authority to send them home.  

For Residents 

• Off-campus activities that could increase the risk of exposure have been canceled. 
• Trips to parks or other open areas with limited exposure to others will still be allowed. 

For Parents and Families

• Parental visits to campus are canceled. 
• Parents and families are encouraged to communicate via phone, FaceTime and other technology. 

BRC also canceled/postponed several upcoming events, including its St. Patrick’s Day Community Mass on March 17, the Charlie Mike Training Seminar on April 23 and its annual Month of the Military Child Spring Fling April 25. 

While no one can predict with certainty how severely COVID-19 will impact the community, BRC will be ready with additional plans if the situation warrants and will provide updates as needed. 

Rob McCartney, MSW, CEO
Abdul Mateen, MD, Medical Director