COVID-19: Country Oaks Care Center takes in new residents during pandemic

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - Country Oaks Care Center has gone from trials to triumphs since a coronavirus outbreak hit the facility.

"Since the end of July we’ve been allowed by the county health department to admit residents" said co-owner John Henning with Country Oaks Care Center.

This was a major step forward after experiencing several COVID-19 deaths earlier this summer.

"Yeah it was very difficult in June and you know this virus is dangerous and it spreads very quickly so you never know when it’s going to hit," said Henning.

Since then, the staff has dedicated its efforts to cleaning every inch of the facility 24 - 7.

All that cleaning has paid off.

"So we’ve admitted several residents since that time and it’s an involved process," said John Henning.

While managers at the care center are pleased to welcome new residents, they say not being able to have visitors has been difficult.

"Well there’s a big difference between seeing a person and talking to them on the phone. And that’s been the hardest part" said co-owner Sharon Henning with Country Oaks Care Center.

Managers with the care center encourage families to send letters in the mail to their residents.

"That’s been a big help with residents getting a lot of mail cards from families and being reassured that their loved," said Sharon Henning.

Like everyone, managers hope this pandemic will soon pass.

"It’s hard for everybody you know but we will get through it somehow we will get through it and things will get back to normal," said John Henning.