On Saturday, January 16, 2021, Residents and staff of Gemstone Care Centre received their first dose of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccines. Ms Leona LeBlanc, shown in the photo, was pleased to start the process and her smiling face is the best measure of how she felt. This event is even more exciting for Gemstone as an outbreak was declared earlier in the week on January 13, 2021.  “We are feeling mixed emotions today coming from the joy of getting vaccines to the Residents and the disappointment of battling an outbreak.  Our team has worked so hard to keep Covid-19 away.”  Says Sandra Lewis, General Manager.

Gemstone is currently under outbreak restrictions to prevent further spread while supporting the recovery of those who are ill.  The arrival of the vaccine, though, brings hope and Karen Smeaton, Care Manager of Gemstone, is particularly excited as she states that ‘this last 10 months has been exhausting for everyone.  We needed this event to boost our confidence that we will get through this together.”  The vaccines were administered by a team from Interior Health and the second dose is anticipated to arrive within 5-6 weeks, pending confirmation from Dr. Bonnie Henry.

This is a trying time and Gemstone sincerely appreciates all the kind messages of support and encouragement that have been flowing in from families.  As Karen says, we will get through this together! #GemstoneStrong