COVID-19 outbreaks take emotional toll on residents, families

The building has a common area that is now closed, but tenants may still use laundry machines on each floor, as well as the elevator.

“All residents have self-contained apartments, and most are considered high risk due to age and existing medical concerns,” says Judy A., another resident.

“Does everyone follow the guidelines? No. What can be done? There will not be an armed guard by everyone’s door or policing the building. I have to take responsibility for my health and actions around others. Avoid and report the rule breakers who put everyone at risk.”

Now that two outbreaks have been declared in Red Deer, including at Red Deer Regional Hospital, the women agree more people need to take spread prevention seriously.

“It’s very simple: wear a mask,” Lepinsky says. “We have very little weaponry against this virus, but masks have been proven to have at least some effect protecting others, and some effect is better than none.”

“Dr. Deena Hinshaw is almost begging people to comply,” Judy A. says. “Her appeal to Albertans is to not become complacent, and follow protocol, if not for yourself, then for your loved ones, co-workers and friends.”

Lepinsky was tested for other reasons earlier last week before AHS arrived to begin voluntary testing at the building and says she is feeling well.

At Red Deer Regional Hospital, Peter Underwood is undergoing chemotherapy for a cancer diagnosis he received in May.

His wife, Jan, was devastated on Friday to find out that while he is in hospital, confined to a wheelchair, visitation is restricted to two designated people.

“This is really difficult as we have four children. We were given permission to meet outside with masks and distancing, but still with a limited number of people. It’s heartbreaking for my whole family,” she says.

“Especially this past weekend, after sitting with my husband through his first chemotherapy in the cancer centre, we then went to the main entrance of the hospital and were told it was on lockdown due to an outbreak.”

Underwood’s family understands very well why the lockdown is necessary, and appreciates the incredible work of medical staff. But what they can’t comprehend is the selfishness of those not taking the pandemic seriously.

“What bothers me are the people who do not follow the recommended restrictions of mask-wearing, distancing, washing hands, getting tested, all of which can prevent the virus from spreading,” she says.

“Right now, we don’t know when we will see my husband in person again. I also think the City of Red Deer, through our mayor and councillors, could take a stand and make it mandatory for masks to be worn in public spaces. No one is exempt from this. Consider those who have it, those who have died from it, the nurses and doctors risking their lives, and families like mine who are affected by it.”

As of August 1, masks will be mandatory in all indoor public spaces, as well as transit, in Calgary and Edmonton.

Red Deer Mayor Tara Veer told rdnewsNOW she’d prefer the province to take the lead on mandatory masking, but the province has left that decision up to municipalities. Veer said Monday that opinion hasn’t changed, but The City has reinstated its Emergency Operations Centre at level one in response to the outbreaks and rising regional figures.

Updated figures from Alberta Health on Monday show the outbreak at Red Deer Regional Hospital involves three active cases, an increase of one from Friday.

by Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

COVID-19 outbreaks take emotional toll on residents, families

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