SG PETANI – The infection of a 19-year-old staff member at a nursing home for the elderly here with Covid-19 led to its spread throughout the home, culminating in the death of a 91-year-old resident and hospitalisation of 10 others.
Unfortunately, the vaccination came too late for them.
The tragedy happened after an inoculation programme was held at the home starting June 1, when 10 staffers were given their first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Two more took the jab the next day. On June 6, all residents and senior staffers were given the AstraZeneca vaccine.
However, a staffer fell sick 11 days after the jab. While waiting for the results of the Covid-19 test, two residents came down with a fever.
On June 15, the staffer was confirmed to have Covid-19. The centre was immediately locked down and no resident or staffer was allowed to leave the premises. One resident had to be sent to the hospital due to breathing difficulties.
On the same night, district health officials came to the nursing home to fix pink wrist tags on all staff and residents. Later, it was found that all 22 residents and four staffers were positive for Covid-19.
Yesterday, a 91-year-old resident who was found with pneumonia before testing positive for Covid-19 died at 12.10pm. According to the care centre, the doctors believed that her death was due to her existing health condition, old age, and Covid-19.
Health Ministry personnel have been visiting the centre daily to conduct blood pressure and oxygen level tests. Ten residents have been sent to four hospitals for observation as their oxygen levels have dropped.
The rest of the residents and staff have not shown any symptoms for now.
Delren Terrence Douglas, president of the Association for Residential Aged Care Operators (Agecope), said those who have received their vaccine shots should be vigilant.
“Normal healthy people will feel feverish and weak. The elderly will be more susceptible after getting their vaccinations.
“Initially, after they took the vaccine, doctors were told that the residents were feeling weak. They told us that it was a natural reaction to the vaccine.
“It didn’t even cross anyone’s minds that they would be Covid-19 positive. Everyone’s initial thought was they were exhibiting side effects.”
Delren added that the second AstraZeneca dose for the residents is still on schedule. However, staffers who took the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine early June will have their appointments rescheduled until they are out of quarantine. – The Vibes, June 20, 2021
