Cary, NC – Deaths and positive cases related to COVID-19 are declining in nursing homes across the country as more residents and staff are vaccinated. However, some assisted living facilities are still treating outbreaks.
There are currently three active cases of COVID-19 at Woodland Terrace, an assisted living center in Cary.
“You’re always worried about that,” said Kathleen Brewer, whose husband lives in a nursing home in Rocky Mount.
Residents and staff members in nursing home facilities were vaccinated as part of Group 1 of the North Carolina COVID-19 vaccine deployment. But Brewer said hearing about outbreaks at other facilities, even with COVID-19 vaccines, was worrisome for her.
“Wash your hands and wear a mask,” he said. “I think that’s crucial. They’ll keep it up for a while.”
“So far, we have conducted two vaccination clinics for our residents and associates, with a third scheduled for March 16, with more than 90% of our residents fully vaccinated,” a Woodland Terrace spokesman said in a communiqué.
Brewer said her husband received her first dose and said she hopes to keep him safe at his facility.
“Just take a risk with this vaccine. I hope they don’t get it,” he added.
Last Thursday, state health officials said the facilities without recent outbreaks could resume the visit to the interior. Not everyone inside is vaccinated, which is why visitors are encouraged to follow safety protocols in high-risk environments.
A Woodland Terrace spokesman is taking additional precautions to limit exposure to residents and associates and continues to test residents and staff frequently.