A COVID-19 outbreak has been declared at Creighton Lodge after six residents tested positive for the virus.
But lodge manager Shelly Veroba said the situation could have been worse.
The first positive test occurred on Thursday. There were two positives that day, and four more came back positive since that time. The last positive test was Monday at noon.
“Nobody had an increased temperature. Nobody had any symptoms that they said were anything outside of the ordinary. They actually felt like they had allergies with the majority of the symptoms. Allergies and sinus were the concerns.”
Two residents were sent to hospital, and remained there as of Tuesday afternoon.
Approximately 15 residents are in isolation due to close contact tracing.
A mobile testing clinic was brought to the lodge Friday morning. Virtually all of the residents were tested, with just one of the 49 residents refusing.
All 13 staff members were also tested. None of the staff tested positive.
Veroba’s not sure how the outbreak began, but she believes it was brought in from the outside.
Forty-seven of the lodge’s 49 residents received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine earlier this year. One was unable to receive the vaccine due to health reasons, and the other refused the dose.
None of the lodge’s residents have received their second dose.
Veroba believes the approach taken by the provincial government on the vaccine front is the right way to go.
“Had everybody not had their vaccinations, this could have been a lot worse.”
The symptoms for the residents would have been worse if they didn’t get the vaccine, she said.
Creighton Lodge has been able to keep residents hydrated and fed for the past few days. If a resident has trouble breathing, that person will be sent to the hospital immediately.
All common areas, including the lounge and the eating area, are closed. Meals are being delivered to residents, using the necessary personal protective equipment.
A public health inspection was carried out, and the lodge was told they are doing everything they need to do to keep residents safe. The lodge has implemented a plan that was created in case they find themselves in this situation. And Veroba said the rural municipalities that own the building have received excellent support.
Veroba noted that when she reached out to St. Joseph’s Hospital CEO Greg Hoffort on Sunday, he loaded everything Creighton Lodge needed – medical-grade masks, gloves and gowns – and had it to her in 45 minutes. Having all that equipment also put the residents at ease.
