St. Paul's Senior Services Resident Reacts To Omicron Cases

NBC 7 News Anchors: For the factors have largely resulted in milder symptoms. As we have been reported among people who are fully vaccinated and boosted, but there's still a significantly higher risk to older people, regardless of their vaccination status, NBC 7, Joe Little visited St. Paul's Manor in Bankers Hill, an independent senior living community today to see how they're handling the latest surge of cases.

Joe Little: We're being overwhelmed with stories about Omicron's impact on work, in schools, but it's just the latest nightmare for our parents and grandparents. 

Shirley Doyle: We were so revved up and ready for normal and then Omicron came. 

Joe Little: We all feel just like Shirley Doyle, but during the pandemic, Shirley has already faced too many fears.

Shirley Doyle: I've uh, uh, I've been in a cancer fight. 

Joe Little: It's a lot for anyone let alone a senior. 

Shirley Doyle: Yes. I'm scared. The world is going crazy out there and I can come home. And know that I'm safe.

Joe Little: Shirley lives in St. Paul's Manor in Bankers Hill. 

Cheryl Wilson: These are tough times! 

Joe Little: Cheryl Wilson is the President for St. Paul's Senior Services, retirement homes.

Cheryl Wilson: It's hard on our residents. It's hard on their families, but it's really hard on our staff who just want to care for the people here at St. Paul's.

Joe Little: Wilson Says it's been tough caring for residents, especially after the staff was hit hard with positive cases after the holidays.

Cheryl Wilson: As an administrator, this is what keeps me up at night. What are we going to do?

Joe Little: She says they're once again, following strict rules, no one's allowed to visit unless it's an emergency and there's a booster mandate for employees.

Cheryl Wilson:  And wear your masks, oh, please put on your mask, people. We have to tackle it. We have to be proactive. We have to be upbeat. And we have to know that we can get through this.

Shirley Doyle: We know we're safe. 

Joe Little: Shirley is clearly confident. It helps that she's used to facing her fears. 

Shirley Doyle: I'm cancer-free. Yeah!

Joe Little: That's the good news everyone needs as we started another round in the pandemic.

Shirley Doyle:  We're getting awful tired of it. A

Joe Little: At Bankers Hill.

Shirley Doyle: Awful tired of it.

Joe Little:  Joe Little NBC 7

NBC 7 News Anchors: Stay healthy. I like her. Cheryl Wilson says they are hosting a booster clinic tomorrow for staff and residents.