Growing Nova Scotia Nursing Home Outbreak Delays Vaccine Booster Clinic for Residents – Halifax | The Canadian News

Aggressive testing for COVID-19 is underway at a nursing home in Pugwash, NS, with two more residents testing positive as a result.

This brings the total number of resident cases to 23 since an outbreak was first announced at the East Cumberland Lodge earlier this week.

Christal MacKinnon’s father, 91, tested positive for the virus during the initial round of testing.

“She was supposed to get her booster shot shortly before she tested positive recently,” said MacKinnon, a Nova Scotia-born woman living in Calgary.

The outbreak has delayed booster injections of COVID-19 at the facility as efforts continue to detect and contain a further spread of the virus.

“I’m sure my dad is very confused as to why my mom can’t come visit him now,” MacKinnon said of the safety precautions being taken at the long-term care home that prevent visits.

Nova Scotia Public Health says the outbreak started with a secondary transmission linked to a large religious gathering in Cumberland County, NS

The vaccination status of the staff member associated with the meeting is unknown.

“We have some of our facilities staffed with more than 90 to 98 percent. There are definitely some of our nursing homes in the province that are still trying to increase that number, ”said Michele Lowe, director of the association.

Lowe says booster clinics are underway for long-term care residents and will continue through next week. The clinics will also provide unvaccinated residents the opportunity to finish or begin their first dose series.

“Part of the launch of the booster has also allowed employers to request additional doses for staff who did not receive their original vaccine. So that’s a wonderful opportunity for them too, ”Lowe said.

Long-term care staff in Nova Scotia have until November 30 to receive at least their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

If they fail to comply with Nova Scotia’s vaccination mandate for healthcare workers, Lowe says they will be put on leave without pay under government orders.

The East Cumberland Lodge has only reported mild symptoms in residents so far – a dose of comfort for MacKinnon as he eagerly awaits the moment when he can see his father again.

“The Nova Scotia community is strong and united and I find that very comforting,” she said.

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