The death toll at a nursing home in Laois has risen to 14 amid an outbreak of Covid-19, just one day after residents and staff were due to receive a vaccine to protect against the disease.
The Laois Nationalist reports that as of midday on Wednesday, eight men and six women had died over the previous 16 days at Droimnín Nursing Home in Stradbally, from January 4th to 20th.
Two people died on Tuesday – the day that residents and staff were originally due to receive the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine.
The home has been fighting a Covid-19 outbreak since New Year’s Eve, and it was reported on January 5th that the severe outbreak had hit 40 of the 65 older residents at the Laois nursing home. A further 15 of the 75 staff were also diagnosed with the virus.
The nursing home was one of a few residential care centres around the country that had not experienced a single case of Covid-19 up until this point in the pandemic.
Vaccinations
Covid-19 vaccinations are being organised for staff and residents of the home who have tested negative for the virus, though no date has yet been provided by the HSE. Those who have tested positive for Covid-19 must be clear for the virus for 28 days before vaccination.
A small number of residents are still unwell at the nursing home but the vast majority are now no longer exhibiting symptoms.
Compassionate visits for families of residents who are under stress or are critically ill are being arranged, while families are also being contacted by staff each day.
Regular testing is continuing at the home.
