Easing of restrictions at independent assisted living facility during variant outbreak questioned

A family is raising concerns about decisions madeat a private independent assisted living facility dealing with an outbreak of a COVID-19 variant anda mouseinfestation.

Rose Zinnick's 94-year-old father lives at Churchill Manor in southeast Edmonton.

She says restrictions were loosened too soon. Her father tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday the same day he received the vaccine.

"With them knowing that the vaccine was coming within a two-week period, they should have waited," Zinnick said Thursday at a news conference hostedby the NDP.

"I'm so angry and frustrated and disappointed. I'm very concerned for my dad. He's scared right now. He has no symptoms, but his doctor told me to get ready."

Emails shared with CBCshow residents were informed the facility eased safety measures on Feb. 16, allowing residents to gather in groups of five, though with masks and social distancing. Residents were also allowed to visit with two family members indoors.

Four days later, families were informed residents would receive their vaccinations on March 1.

On Feb. 26,aresident tested positive for the coronavirus.

Since then 32 residents and 4 staff have tested positive withat least 19 of those people infected byahighly contagious variant, the operator Atria said.

The patientsare being cared for by nurses with Alberta Health Services who are on site.

• Alberta confirms private supportive living outbreak linked to coronavirus variant

NDPlabour critic Christina Grayraised concerns about themouse infestation at the facility at thenews conference. She showed photos taken by a family member of mouse droppings and torn shavings.

"We're asking for the government to make sure that the seniors in our community are being cared for, that they are living in hygienic condition [and]getting the support they need during this outbreak," Gray said.

Health officials say they have been supporting Churchill Manor since Monday but, as an independent residence,the facilityis not contracted to Alberta Health Services.

AHS is working with the operator Atria to bring in pest control, the department said.