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