The Drew Nursing Home in Sackville has been significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The most recent outbreak began on September 13 with one case diagnosed, which led to seven more confirmed cases on September 26. As of October 4, “the total number of cases [was] 39, 29 in residents and 10 in staff. There are currently 18 active cases of the disease at the home, 13 in residents and 5 in staff,” according to Erica Butler from the CHMA. Six residents have passed away since September from COVID-19.
Drew Nursing Home manager Linda Shannon says that any food donations being dropped off at the Drew need to be in the form of individually packaged goods. The “donations and gifts can be left at the front door of the Drew between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Just ring the doorbell, and someone will come to fetch the items,” according to Butler from CHMA.
The recent outbreak at the Drew Nursing Home and the lives lost as a result remind the community that Sackville is not immune to the dangers of COVID-19, and following the recent health protocol changes is a must. New Brunswick has reinstated a Mandatory Order and as of 11:59 p.m. on September 24, masks are mandatory in all indoor facilities and all individuals 12 years or older must show a proof of vaccination and identification to access certain services and facilities. According to the Town of Sackville website, the Horizon Health COVID-19 testing facility continues to operate in the mezzanine of the Civic Centre, and any individual aged 12 or older with a compromised immune system due to certain conditions or treatments “are eligible to register online for a third vaccination through a regional health authority clinic or participating pharmacy.”
On Saturday, October 2, New Brunswick reported a new single-day record for daily cases, with four deaths and 140 new cases, with 49 recoveries. This brings the province’s total up to 764 active cases, with 49 recoveries. As of Saturday, 44 people are hospitalized, with 17 in intensive care units.