Vaccine news rejuvenates CMHC staff
2 recent trials showed high effective rates in preventing COVID-19
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Positive news about a COVID-19 vaccine has Community Memorial Health Center Administrator Dr. Janette Simon seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.
"I just hope it's not a train," she said with a laugh.
The fact that Simon has been able to keep her sense of humor throughout the pandemic is a small miracle in and of itself. According to public health officials, CMHC is the only long-term care facility in O'Brien County to have zero COVID-19 infections among its residents. That's a testament to CMHC's staff, Simon noted, who've followed strict protocols and avoided bringing the virus into the building.
A vaccine would ease the burden on nursing homes like CMHC and allow the facility to operate as close to normal as possible, Simon explained.
"I'm not ashamed to say we are exhausted," she admitted. "But our resolve to stay healthy is stronger than ever because a vaccine is on the horizon. We're just pinning our hopes on it happening soon."
It was recently announced that two COVID-19 vaccine trials by drug companies Pfizer and Moderna were more than 90 percent effective, at least for short-term protection against coronavirus. Rollout of the vaccines is expected to take place immediately after FDA approval, and CMHC is anticipating getting its first doses within a month.
"I think it's rejuvenated us, both to the residents and staff," Simon said. "Residents seemed to know more about the vaccine than I did at first because they watch a lot of news. They had some really great questions."
Nursing homes and health care workers will be some of the first to receive the new vaccine. Elderly individuals are particularly susceptible to COVID-19 and have an increased risk of death.
CMHC has already placed its vaccine order. Simon said masking and social distancing will continue at the facility even after vaccinations are completed.
NICK PEDLEY/SENTINEL-NEWS
CMHC Administrator Dr. Janette Simon.
"We're just hanging on," she said. "We're really optimistic, and we're really rejuvenated to finish this race."
CMHC staff members are tested for COVID-19 twice a week. The latest round on Tuesday showed no positive infections.
Until a vaccine arrives, Simon said the facility will continue following protocol to keep its residents safe. She urged local residents to adhere to CDC guidelines, and she was tentatively optimistic new masking rules issued by the governor this week would help lower positivity rates in the area.
"So far it's proven to be too much for some people to wear their masks," Simon said. "It's like [CMHC] has been forgotten, both an employer in the community and the service we provide. We aren't on an island and we aren't a separate entity. The greater health of the community directly affects us."
