There has not been a new positive COVID-19 case reported at Heritage Place for two weeks. That means starting today, residents can leave their rooms for the first time in over two months.
The long-term care facility, operated by Central Peninsula Hospital, had its first outbreak of COVID-19 in late October, after three staff members tested positive.
In the weeks following, the virus touched 40 of the facility’s nearly 50 residents. Four residents died.
Everyone in the facility was tested for COVID-19 multiple times a week. Since Oct. 26, residents have been isolated to their private rooms.
The facility started allowing those who had recovered from the virus to leave their rooms earlier this month.
Now, residents will be able to move around the facility more freely, said hospital spokesman Bruce Richards. Certain group activities, like congregate dining, will still be prohibited.
Soldotna Professional Pharmacy has been vaccinating residents and staff at eldercare facilities, including Heritage Place, since the vaccine arrived Dec. 16. Pharmacy staff have vaccinated 18 residents so far and plan on vaccinating another 12.
An additional 14 residents declined the vaccine, according to the hospital.
