*Additional information was obtained and a slight change in the number of staff and residents infected has been updated. Updated numbers are notated in parenthesis ( ).
Over the last several weeks Pinewood Terrace Nursing Center, at 1000 E Elep Ave in Colville, has been battling an outbreak of COVID -19 within their facility. The first case was reported on August 25 and spread quickly infecting 22 (24) staff and 52 (51) residents. Thus far in the pandemic they had been able to utilize precautions and keep the virus out of their facility, which was a huge feat. However, with the more infectious and severe Delta variant, the virus made its way into the facility, spreading rapidly. Sadly, due to this outbreak there have been five COVID-19 related deaths within residents of the facility.
Of the 74 (75) total cases related to this outbreak 33 of the individuals were fully vaccinated and of the five individuals who passed one individual was fully vaccinated. This speaks to the seriousness and danger the Delta variant poses for all individuals, but especially those most vulnerable, even if vaccinated. It also shows the ability of the vaccine to protect against severe illness in those who have been vaccinated.
As we continue to stress the importance of utilizing all precautionary measures such as masking, social distancing, keeping gatherings small and now getting vaccinated, we go back to the purpose of why it’s so important now more than ever. It is to protect those most vulnerable, like our elderly, immunocompromised, children who are not yet eligible for the vaccine, and those who are physically unable to receive the vaccine. For as long as we have been dealing with this pandemic, it can be easy to lose sight of the purpose of utilizing these precautionary measures. However, each one of us, through our actions, can help prevent further medical hardships to those within our own family, or friends, or members of our communities throughout NE Washington.
The Delta variant is ruthless. It is affecting each individual differently, making it nearly impossible to tell who may currently be infected, who may get severely ill, who may only have mild symptoms, or who will succumb to complications due to the virus. After experiencing 35 deaths within our three counties since September 1st, we are seeing firsthand that your age, gender, health status and demographics do not shield you from the severity of this virus.
Please remember the purpose of why the public health precautions are in place and why we are so adamant that people practice the combination of:
- Staying home when sick
- Wearing a mask
- Social distancing
- Getting vaccinated
Your actions to follow these precautions help protect yourself, the person sitting next to you, your loved ones, and your friends.
If you have not received your vaccine, please consider doing so now. Find a vaccine provider near you.
