Social Development
Question by:
Hon Ntombezanele Bakubaku-Vos
Answered by:
Hon Sharna Fernandez
Question Number:
12
Question Body:
- Whether there has been any reported COVID-19 positive cases at residential facilities for older persons in the province; if so, what are the relevant details;
- what precautionary measures have been put in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at residential facilities for older persons in the province?
Answer Body:
Response:
Yes, 251 positive cases of which 87 residents and 153 staff. A total of 11 residents passed away as on the 5 June 2020.
Response
- DSD has drafted protocols and guidelines for old age homes on safety measures and the management of suspected COVID 19 infections, and communicated these to all old age homes in the province. DSD’s Older Persons program office team has provided guidance and support on these guidelines and protocols to the old age homes.
- Protocols have been put in place between the provincial DSD and the Department of Health with regards to referrals of COVID-19 cases at old age homes. The Department of Health conducts screening and testing onsite with staff and residents.
- The Department of Social Development has made R 1.755 million available to old age homes for the provision of PPE, cleansing and sanitizers, over and above existing allocations made to the homes by the department.
- 15 000 masks and 50 litres of sanitizer have been distributed to old age homes across the province.
- 5000 face shields have been provided to 117 old age homes.
- DSD has facilitated additional relief staff for homes where and when needed.
- Specialised training has been provided for carers.
DSD has facilitated assistance from volunteers to deep-clean old age homes – with a focus on homes in vulnerable communities and hotspot areas.
Date:
Friday, June 5, 2020
