COVID-19 vaccine’s arrival offers an end to isolation for B.C. seniors in care - soon Bookmark Please log in to listen to this story. Also available in French and Mandarin. Log In Create Free Account
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Courtesy of family
On Christmas Day, Maureen Mooney will be permitted 15 minutes to see her mother, Betty Tanney, who is 89. The two will be separated by plexiglass as part of the COVID-19 safety protocols at the assisted living facility where her mom lives. No hugging, no kissing.
An official at Interior Health says COVID-19 rapid tests could be available for long-term care homes in the Kamloops area starting next week. Dr.Karen Bloemin, the interim vice-president of pandemic response, says the health authority received the supplies for rapid testing this week. The rapid tests were rolled out in several Lower Mainland long-term care homes this week as part of a pilot program, though provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has said they re not as accurate as traditional swab tests. Terry Lake, president of B.C. Care Providers Association, says the rapid test should have been available two months ago and could have saved lives in some parts of the province.