Preparing for COVID-19 vaccine

The two Hastings County Long Term Care homes are preparing for the call that will mean COVID-19 vaccinations are available for their residents.

Director of Hastings-Quinte Long-Term Care Debbie Rollins tells Quinte News that the latest lockdown has not meant much change at the homes in Belleville and Bancroft, because they have been prepared since the last one at Christmas.

She noted the homes in Belleville and Bancroft were much better prepared for the lockdown this time, compared to last spring. Rollins says they’re now  “anxiously awaiting” the COVID-19 vaccine for the residents and staff which she expects to see soon.

“We’ve started the process of getting consents from our family members for our residents and will be sending information out to the team members as well to start educating them and getting their consent so that when we get that phone call that the vaccine is ready to come to Hastings Manor or Centennial Manor we’re ready.”

Rollins said one staff member that had tested positive is expected back at work this week and residents of the area have tested negative.

“So there’s been no transmission up to this point, in the home. We have no residents with symptoms in the home and no COVID.”

Rollins added, “Once the province put us into total lockdown, the grey zone I guess, on Boxing Day, that the only visitors permitted into the homes are essential visitors. A resident is able to have identified two essential visitors. We have one essential visitor per resident at a time, a visit strictly in the resident’s room and they have to maintain their PPE while in their room.”

Hastings Manor has 253 beds, Centennial Manor has 110 beds.