Special Lodge Bulletin: Happy
New Year! January 7, 2021
Welcome to 2021, vaccines are coming next week!
Please read this bulletin, discuss it with those closest to you,
feel free to ask questions and speak to your doctor if you have
any vaccine-related questions. Public Health nurses will come
to our lodges next week to immunize our residents against the
Covid-19 virus.
Cascade House: Monday, January 11, 2021 starting at
1:30pm. We will organize individual times – please wait for
us to come get you when it is your turn. The second dose
will come to you on February 8 – please be there!
Bow River Lodge: Wednesday, January 13, 2021 starting at 9:00am. We will
organize individual times – please wait for us to come get you when it is your
turn. The second dose will come to you on February 9 – please be there!
This is, by far, the safest way out of the pandemic. Some people are unsure about the
vaccine, but the science is actually crystal clear, so let’s stomp out the virus and move on
with our lives. The nurses will bring the Moderna vaccine, which is proven safe except
for the very few people who are allergic to it. Please, think hard about getting vaccinated,
it is for your safety and that of those around you.
Please understand that the first dose does not give immediate immunity because it
takes time for the vaccine to teach your body how to fight the virus.
✓ January 11 or 13: first dose.
✓ End of January: the body has developed some immunity.
✓ February 8 or 9: second dose.
✓ Early March: the body reaches peak immunity!
Meanwhile, Alberta remains under a state of public health emergency and aggressive
action is still required to protect you and our healthcare system. The second wave of
cases is driving a record number of outbreaks in seniors living facilities, so we still need
your help to keep our lodges virus-free. I recognize and very much appreciate the helpful
efforts that most of you have and will continue to make to protect yourselves and others,
despite the great challenges of these times.
The current situation is a fair bit better, but it is still critical; there are more than 13,000
active cases in the province, with 76 in the BVRH region. Tragically now nearly 1,200
Albertans have died, including a beloved past resident of Bow River Lodge. Two seniors
housing workers have recently died, and our health system is under more pressure than
ever before. Health Minister Shandro said yesterday the numbers are still far too high and
they need to be a lot lower, but that we are making a difference by following the
restrictions and if we stick to it, we will turn the tide.
We are obviously all still very tired of Covid-19, and yet we still must stay the course and
work together for the common good. The core requirements detailed in December’s
bulletins remain in effect, including:
• Stay in your suite if you feel at all unwell except to seek medical assistance.
• Wash and or sanitize your hands often.
• PLEASE wear a mask/covering when you are not in your suite, except when you are
actively eating, drinking, or exercising.
• Put on a mask before opening your door and when you have others into your suite.
• Stay apart from others, avoid sick people and crowded places.
• Have the things that you need delivered as much as possible.
• Please connect socially with others via phone or internet as much as possible.
• Do not leave the lodge property except for truly essential outings.
• No indoor social gatherings in any setting – in lodges limit close contacts to 2 other
lodge residents. This means you can have one or two close contacts from inside of the
lodge into your suite for visits, but it must be the same one or two people until the
state of emergency is lifted. You should be masked when visiting with others.• Outdoor gatherings are banned.
• Places of worship at 1/7 normal attendance with mandatory masking and distancing.
• Mandatory masks for indoor workplaces and public spaces across the province.
• Avoid non-essential travel to other communities.
• Salon and related services are suspended.
Please, do not look for loopholes, just do your part.
I have attached an information sheet about Alberta’s Covid-19 vaccination program.
Sincerely,
Ian
