Cary, NC COVID-19-related deaths and positive cases are declining in nursing homes across the country as more residents and staff are vaccinated. Yet some assisted living facilities are still facing outbreaks.
There are currently three active COVID-19 cases at Woodland Terrace, an assisted living facility in Cary.
“You always worry about that,” said Kathleen Brewer, whose husband lives in a nursing home in Rocky Mount.
Residents and staff in nursing home facilities were vaccinated as part of Group 1 in the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines in North Carolina. But Brewer said hearing about outbreaks at other facilities, even with the COVID-19 vaccines, worried her.
“Wash your hands and wear a mask,” she said. ‘I think that’s crucial. They will keep that up for a while. ‘
“To date, we have run two vaccination clinics for our residents and employees, with a third scheduled for March 16, with more than 90% of our residents fully vaccinated,” a Woodland Terrace spokesperson said in a statement.
Brewer said her husband got his first dose and she hopes it keeps him safe in his facility.
‘You just take risks with that vaccine. I hope they don’t get it there, ‘she added.
Last Thursday, state health officials said facilities could resume visit indoors without recent outbreaks. Not everyone inside is vaccinated, so visitors are encouraged to follow safety protocols in the high-risk environments.
A Woodland Terrace spokesperson said they are taking extra precautions to limit exposure for residents and employees and continue to test residents and staff on a regular basis.