Singaporeans were shook on Wednesday (1 Apr) when an old age home in Thomson emerged as a new Covid-19 cluster with 11 cases. The oldest linked to the new cluster is 102 years old.
In light of this, the government announced that visits at nursing homes are to be suspended from now till 30 Apr, reports The Straits Times.
Caregivers, however, can still communicate with those staying in nursing homes through audio or video calls.
Apart from banning visitors, government agencies also said that all nursing home residents are to practice safe distancing.
Homes with more than 200 beds will reportedly be required to implement “split-zones”, according to The Straits Times.
Staff who are feeling under the weather are also told not to report for work.
In addition, nursing homes were apparently reminded to strictly adhere to advisories put out by the authorities.
While physical visiting is no longer allowed until the end of the month, caregivers can still keep in touch with nursing home residents with the help of technology — via audio or video calls.
Authorities will continue to monitor the situation and will review the ‘no visiting’ measure at the end of the month.
It is extremely worrying that an old age home has emerged as a new Covid-19 cluster in Singapore. After all, chronic medical conditions – which increase the chances of one succumbing to the coronavirus – are more common among older folks.
It’s good that the government is implementing measures swiftly to contain the spread of the disease.
Let’s hope they prove effective so the elderly – likely the most vulnerable segment of our society – are protected from the outbreak.
Featured image adapted from First Reit and is for illustration purposes only.
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