The coronavirus pandemic is unlike any infection-control situation that Alpine View Lodge owner and Administrator Linda Cioffi has experienced in the 42 years since she and her parents opened the East County memory care facility.
Due to an outbreak last month that sickened 30 out of 34 residents and 17 out of 28 staff, during which eight residents died from the virus, Cioffi has worked 41 days straight as of Friday without an end to her streak in sight.
Without negative pressure rooms in which to isolate residents, like those available in limited supply at hospitals, keeping residents safe has been especially challenging even though the majority of residents in her 38-bed capacity facility have complied with requests to remain in their rooms. Quickly accessing the vaccine will ensure the remainder of her staff and residents continue to be COVID-free.