BIS News by Llonella Gilbert – April 10, 2020 – NASSAU, The Bahamas — Minister of Health the Hon. Dr. Duane Sands stated that special precautions must be taken to make sure seniors in established nursing homes and private care are safe.
The Health
Minister noted that as a result, guidelines were developed and distributed to
nursing homes to prevent COVID-19 from entering the facilities; to prevent
COVID-19 from spreading within the facilities; and to prevent COVID-19 from
spreading outside the facilities.
During a press
conference to update the nation on COVID-19 at the Ministry of Health,
Wednesday, April 8, 2020 he explained
that nursing supervisors have made contact with nursing homes throughout the
country.
“We are
following and implementing the WHO Infection Prevention and Control guidance
for Long-Term Care Facilities closely.”
The Health
Minister said to protect the residents of nursing homes and seniors receiving
care in their homes, it is recommended that:
NO
IN-PERSON VISITORS are allowed.
All employees must perform hand hygiene frequently.
Physical distancing of at least six feet should be
instituted.
Staff and
residents should practice respiratory etiquette. When cough or sneezing, they
should cover their mouths and noses with a tissue or a bent elbow to prevent
release of respiratory droplets.
Frequent
cleaning of touched surfaces must be done throughout the day with hospital
grade disinfectant or diluted bleach solution.
All health care
workers and caregivers should practice barrier nursing and wear Personal
Protective Equipment (PPEs) such as gloves, masks and gowns when they come in
to contact with seniors. Custodian staff must also be protected.
Nursing home workers and caregivers in private homes should
stay at home if they are ill with respiratory symptoms such as coughing, fever,
or shortness of breath.
If a nursing
home resident becomes ill with respiratory symptoms they should be promptly
masked, and isolated in a private room. The facility Administrator should call
the Ministry of Health’s Surveillance Unit immediately.
Dr. Sands
explained that for seniors who are at home, when permitted to move, take them
food if necessary but please limit contact.
He said if
individuals can, they should leave items the seniors need on the outside so
they can collect them.
“This virus has
claimed the lives of thousands of elderly people around the world.”
However, the
Health Minister added, “That said, young people should not think they are invincible.
COVID-19 can kill people of any age
group, any gender, any racial group, rich and poor.”