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Despite COVID-19 vaccinations, assisted living facilities still dealing with outbreaks

COVID-related deaths and positive cases are dropping in nursing homes across the country as part of the vaccine rollout. Yet, some assisted living facilities are still dealing with outbreaks.

Posted Updated

By
Aaron Thomas
, WRAL reporter
CARY, N.C. — COVID-19-related deaths and positive cases are dropping in nursing homes across the country as more residents and staff are vaccinated. Yet, some assisted living facilities are still dealing with 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 facility in Rocky Mount.

Residents and staff members inside nursing home facilities were vaccinated as part of Group 1 in North Carolina's COVID-19 vaccine rollout. But, Brewer said hearing about outbreaks at other facilities, even with the COVID-19 vaccines, was concerning for her.

"Wash your hands and wear a mask," she said. "I think that's crucial. They're going to keep that up for a while."

"To date, we have conducted two vaccine clinics for our residents and associates, with a third scheduled for March 16, with over 90% of our residents fully vaccinated," said a spokesperson for Woodland Terrace in a statement.

Brewer said her husband received his first dose, and she said she hopes it keeps him safe at his facility.

"You're just taking chances with that vaccine. I hope they don't get it there," she added.

Last Thursday, state health officials said facilities without recent outbreaks could resume indoor visitation. Not everyone inside is getting vaccinated, which is why visitors are encouraged to follow safety protocols in the high-risk settings.

A spokesperson for Woodland Terrace they are taking extra precautions to limit exposure to residents and associates and are continuing to test residents and staff frequently.

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