COLONIAL HEIGHTS, Va. -- Vera Cottrell's 98th birthday party had balloons, and cards, and songs.
Just no hugs.
Four generations of Vera'a family visited the great grandmother at Dunlop House Assisted Living in Colonial Heights and threw her a party through the window.
"We can't visit, you know, but we wanted to do something for her birthday, " Vera's daughter Brenda Riddle said.
Vera's great-granddaughters were even able to serenade her with "Hallelujah" through the window.
"Every time we see her, it's been like almost a tradition to sing that to her," Abby Heavrin said.
"At least we can still see her and talk to her and know she's OK," Abby's sister Bailey added.
Vera, known to her family as nana, said she loved seeing everyone's faces and being able to talk through the window.
"I think they're wonderful," she said.
The party brought some smiles in what is a difficult time,.
"It's hard, I miss her," Vera's granddaughter Beth Heavrin said. "I'd love to hug her and hold her hand. We've been really close my whole life, so it's hard."
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.