Two seniors’ homes in Glovertown aren’t taking any chances when it comes to COVID-19 after two cases were identified in Central.

A man tested positive after returning to Newfoundland from Ontario earlier this week, and a child—who is a close contact—also tested positive for the virus.

Karen Oram, director of the Oram group which owns Oram’s Baywatch Manor and Oram’s Birchview Manor, posted on Facebook that they closed their doors to visitors after a case of the virus was identified in Glovertown.

Oram says she knows the family well, however they aren’t taking any chances. One of their managers contacted a local doctor who suggested that they shut down visitation at the homes.

Oram indicates she has received many calls and emails thanking them for making the decision. She feels they made the right choice, and will defend it.

The Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Janice Fitzgerald, said in Wednesday’s briefing that she wouldn’t have advised the closures if the Health Department were contacted. Oram, who has been a nurse for 36 years, was disappointed to hear that.

She questions how you can be ‘over-cautious’ in a small community where many of those awaiting test results are connected with those visiting the manors. Oram says they’re hoping to learn more about their situation. Once they have a clear image, and if things appear to be going okay, they will open the doors to visitors once again.

Oram states they just want to keep their residents and staff safe.