Creighton Lodge manager Shelly Veroba is impressed with how the residents at the lodge have handled the outbreak of COVID-19 at the enriched living facility.
It was announced earlier this week that six residents had tested positive for COVID-19 from April 15-19; that number has since increased to seven. Veroba noted that while the seventh positive occurred at the same time as the others, the lodge wasn’t informed of it until Thursday night.
Two of the residents who tested positive are receiving in-patient care, but have not had to go to an intensive care unit in Regina. Fifteen residents who are close contacts of those who tested positive have been in self-isolation, as per a Public Health order.
A mobile testing clinic was booked for the close contacts who tested negative.
“Anybody who is not considered a close contact will not be retested,” said Veroba. “Anybody who is positive will not be retested, and anybody who declines a test will not be retested. Nobody’s forced to test.”
There was just one resident last week who didn’t take a test.
The lodge is closed to visitors and its common areas are closed. Meals are being delivered to residents.
The residents and staff members have done a good job of coping with this adverse situation.
“The staff have all come together. Some are working extra shifts. Some are changing their shifts if needed. We’re just working together to make sure all shifts are covered and we have enough people. It’s been amazing, because it’s very stressful, but they’re all maintaining a good attitude and a good outlook.
“Same with the residents. They’re really stressed out, in a sense, but they’re calmed by knowing that the staff are not stressed. And we don’t have anybody seriously ill in our building.”
COVID might be scary, but the cases have been mild, and that’s because on Feb. 27, virtually everyone at the lodge received their first dose of the vaccine. Without the first dose, the virus’ impact would have been much more severe.
The lodge's residents have yet to receive their second dose.
The community has been very supportive, with personal protective equipment supplied by St. Joseph’s Hospital. GenCo Asphalt purchased 50 meals for residents and staff, and the family of Ted Fai purchased dilly bars.
Veroba has been living at the lodge throughout this, residing in a guest suite so she can be there for residents at all times.
Next week’s edition of the Mercury will have more on this story.
