Just days before they were to be among the first homes visited by the pharmacy-led push to vaccinate residents and staff of Rhode Island’s long-term care facilities, Bristol’s St. Elizabeth Manor reported a COVID-19 outbreak. Even as they battled to isolate and care for stricken residents, the facility’s healthy population was able to receive the first of the two-injection vaccine, on schedule. Mary Rossetti, spokesman for St. Elizabeth Manor, released the following statement on the afternoon of Tuesday, Jan. 5:

“After ten months of incredible vigilance, and just ten days shy of residents and staff receiving their first CV 19 vaccines, Saint Elizabeth Manor experienced a significant outbreak of COVID 19-Coronavirus. This is reflective of the sharp increase in positive cases of the Coronavirus in Bristol and Warren.

“The first positive case of this outbreak among residents was identified on Dec. 18, and currently there are 65 residents who are positive. Many staff members have also tested positive. As of Thursday, we expect 35 residents will be considered COVID recovered. Residents are showing varying signs of illness. We are testing all residents and staff twice a week, and continuing to follow the Rhode Island Department of Health guidelines, working closely with the Department of Health.

“The first dose of the Pfizer vaccine was administered to residents and staff who were COVID negative on Dec. 28. In January those same residents and staff will receive the second dose. Those who were not able to receive the first dose in December, may be able to receive the first dose in January, when CVS returns to administer the second dose to staff and residents.

“Our thoughts and appreciation go out to the families during this difficult time. We are grateful to our dedicated staff and physicians who are working tirelessly to provide care during this trying time, and who put themselves on the front lines every day. They are truly healthcare heroes.”