Good news on the local COVID-19 front. The COVID-19 outbreak at Northern Lights Manor is now considered over by provincial health officials and residents will soon get doses of a vaccine.
No cases at the facility remain active as of Jan. 6 and additional restrictions on the manor have been lifted, now putting the manor back on similar standards to other care homes and seniors facilities province-wide.
According to a letter sent out by the Northern Health Region to family members, no new positive cases have been found since Dec. 3. In total, five people - three residents and two health workers - tested positive for COVID-19. All have now tested negative and no further spread has been seen recently.
In addition, the NHR will roll out doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for northern Manitoba elders next month. First doses will be given Jan. 21, with a second dose scheduled for Feb. 18. Family members of all residents will be informed about the vaccinations in the coming weeks, with staff members available to answer any questions ahead of the first doses.
"Our dedicated staff continue to screen prior to shifts, diligently wear personal protective equipment and have their temperatures taken on a daily basis. We continue to provide your families with the highest quality of care," reads the NHR's letter to families.
There are no longer any more active COVID-19 outbreaks in the Flin Flon/Snow Lake/Cranberry Portage/Sherridon health district. Three outbreaks remain active as of Jan. 6, each in seniors' care homes - the Northern Spirit Manor in Thompson, the Rod McGillivary Care Home in Opaskwayak Cree Nation and the St. Paul's Residence in The Pas. There are two active COVID-19 cases in the Flin Flon district as of Jan. 6.
