At 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, the Peterborough long-term care home received the go-ahead from the Peterborough County-City Health Unit to re-open its doors following an outbreak of the flu. The home was given permission to welcome visitors after reporting eight days without any new symptoms of Influenza A exhibited by residents or staff. Families were turned away and residents weren't allowed to venture outside of the home for 13 days.

"They're anxious to get back," says Kelly Burns, Riverview's director of care, about residents' family members.

"Staff are anxious. Activities are raring to go," she says. "We are clear as of 9:30 this morning."

Everyone has recovered, including the 12 residents and two staff members who were ill last week. According to local media reports, the flu has also hit other long-term care facilities in the Peterborough area hard.

A Riverview Manor resident first came down with symptoms of Influenza A on Nov. 17. Three other cases were confirmed by the end of that week.

Long-term care home staff has remained in close contact with health unit officials since the outbreak began.

In an earlier interview with the OMNIway, Administrator Ken Whatman said staff was handling the outbreak well, considering some employees weren't initially able to report to work because they hadn't received flu shots.

Residents were immunized in October and all employees have since received the shot.

Despite being short-staffed, Kelly says employees pulled together and she is thankful for their efforts. "Despite being closed, they were in good spirits. Staff have done a wonderful job."