Good news on the horizon for the most vulnerable in our communities

Jacksonville, FL. — Long term care facilities are starting to see a positive impact on their residents just over a month since many became fully vaccinated.

Doug Adkins, Executive Director of Dayspring Senior Living, explains, “It’s really been pretty remarkable.”

Almost everyone living at Dayspring Senior Living facility in Nassau County has been fully vaccinated since the beginning of March.

Action News Jax was there in January when many got their first shot of the vaccine.

Since then, Adkins tells us they’ve had zero new Covid-19 cases.

“What our seniors can do now that they could not do before, it’s like night and day right now.”

According to the latest data from the Florida Department of Health, on March 2, 2021 there were 684 positive cases in long term care facilities across the state.

As of March 31, 2021, there are 262.

That’s a positivity rate of 0.19 percent.  

Out of 23 facilities in Duval County, there are seven staff and two resident positive cases.

In Clay County, only four staff cases.

And in St. Johns County, zero.

Adkins says visitation restrictions are now being eased and residents are finally getting some their freedom back.

“We now are seeing family starting to come back in again reconnecting with families and that is so important to help create that sense of well-being.”

And to make sure those who didn’t get vaccinated are safe Adkins says, “We have a wristband system. People who have not been vaccinated have a red wristband, people have been on the first shot have a blue one.”

I’m told masks and Covid-19 rapid testing are still being used.

It’s important to note, in Clay, St, Johns and Duval County, there are a little more than 300 COVID-19 positive residents that have been transferred out to hospitals or COVID-19 facilities.

Cox Media Group