Roxanne Major was working as an auxiliary nurse in a seniors’ residence two years ago when a COVID-19 outbreak spread through the home, infecting staff and residents.

Asked to replace a colleague who fell ill, Major took extra precautions. She disinfected her medication cart three times and wore a mask, full gown, gloves and protective glasses.

Despite her efforts, Major soon tested positive herself. Following a brief attempt to return to work the next week — the dizziness and exhaustion were too much — she was granted 10 days off to recover.

Two years later, Major, 40, has yet to return to the job she loved for 19 years. As she said in a recent interview, “everything went upside down.”