The Skeena
You couldn’t imagine crazier timing: the day before residents of a long-term care home in Prince Rupert were set to receive the COVID vaccine, an outbreak was declared at their facility.
“Northern Health is implementing enhanced COVID-19 precautions at Acropolis Manor in Prince Rupert, following lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 among staff and residents,” reads a bulletin from the health authority issued Wednesday.
Three staff and four residents have so far tested positive. Meanwhile, vaccinations at the home start on Thursday.
“I do really want to get into context the unfortunate fact that yes, we have confirmed cases,” Eryn Collins from Northern Health told The Northern View. “There’s a positive aspect that the COVID vaccine is due to arrive in the morning and immunizations will begin immediately for residents of Acropolis and the staff who provide their care.”
Now comes the tricky part: vaccinating staff and residents who haven’t yet tested positive, while being extra vigilant to prevent additional people becoming sick.
“Northern Health is proactively testing residents to identify anyone who may have been infected,” the bulletin explains. It will also be stepping up cleaning measures, restricting movements within the facility and temporarily suspending social visitors.
