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ELKINS -- Elkins Rehabilitation & Care Center announced Wednesday a COVID-19 outbreak at the facility, which received the first doses for COVID-19 vaccinations less than two weeks ago.
"Late last night we were notified that five residents and 12 staff members have tested positive for COVID-19," an ERCC release stated Wednesday.
"The facility has been professionally cleaned and decontaminated. All residents are asymptomatic and have been isolated and quarantined. All positive employees have been ordered to quarantine and we have begun retesting. This is a stressful time in which rumors are easily spread. We ask that you refer to our website for regular updates and questions: www.ercc.biz.
"We will continue to test all residents and staff twice a week in accordance to the Governor's orders. The facility will move to Phase Red during this time."
A separate post by ERCC explains what Phase Red will mean to the facility.
"Effective Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020, based on OHFLAC & Governor's guidelines:
"*All visitations & activities have been suspended until further notice.
"* No non-essential personnel permitted -- Hospice Compassionate Care visits only.
"*Only medically necessary trips outside of the facility."
The post adds, "FaceTime & Skype calls (with ERCC residents) can be arranged by calling 304-636-1391."
The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine arrived at Elkins Rehabilitation & Care Center at Dec. 17, as part of Gov. Jim Justice's vaccine distribution plan.
A total of 75 ERCC residents and 40 staff members were vaccinated Thursday, officials said.
Four pharmacists and a pharmacy technician from Mace's Pharmacy in Philippi delivered the vaccine supply to ERCC and prepared it for administration, officials said. ERCC nursing administrative staff administered the vaccinations to residents and staff members.
The Pfizer vaccine requires two doses, and the second round of vaccinations were to be given 21 days from Dec. 17, officials said.