By Ciarán Sunderland
Health Minister Simon Harris has introduced several new measures to Irish nursing homes during the Covid-19 outbreak.
Twice daily staff screening measures will be launched in nursing homes. On the other hand, COVID-19 test has priority for nursing home staff.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) is to provide access to personal protective equipment (PPE) and further training.
Staff transfers between residential facilities are minimized, and HSE states that staff will be assisted with alternative accommodation and transportation as needed.
A temporary COVID-19 financial support scheme was also announced by the government.
In a statement, the Ministry of Health stated that the plan “supports important services provided by nursing homes.”
The plan is to provide temporary funding to support private and voluntary nursing homes in managing the outbreak.
It lasts three months and is reviewed after the first month of operation.
Minister Harris said today: “The nursing home sector cares for one of the most valuable and vulnerable groups in our society.
“We must do everything we can to support them to stop the virus transmission.
“To this end, we are expanding our support to this sector so that it can continue its role in the overall public health response to COVID-19.
Our goal in these difficult times is to protect the elderly wherever they are.
Yesterday, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tony Hollohan said the National Public Health Emergency Team was concerned about the increase in cases in nursing homes.
He said: “We are interested in the number of clusters identified in nursing homes. Working with HSE, we have identified various measures.
“We need to make sure that continuous action is taken to reduce the risk of infection in nursing homes and long-term housing facilities.”
Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ronangulin said that efforts to protect vulnerable groups from coronaviruses will continue.
He said: “We are facing one of the new measures at the end of this week. It was a tough adjustment, but these efforts save lives.
- The latest operating restrictions since Friday, March 27, require everyone to be at home.
“These efforts have saved lives.
“People over 70 need to maintain their cocoons, seeking help from family, friends, or services to buy essential food and prescriptions according to public health advice. Should not leave. “
According to Dr. Colm Henry, Chief Clinical Officer, “The elderly have a clear picture of more serious illnesses.
“This emphasizes the importance of our advice on cocoonization and requires us all to support vulnerable people in isolation.”
[ul][b]Useful information[/b]
[li]HSE has developed an information pack on how to protect yourself and others from coronaviruses. Read it [url=https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/coronavirus.html]here[/url] [/li]
[li]Individuals with coronavirus symptoms that have been in close contact with cases identified in the last 14 days need to be isolated from others. Call your GP or emergency department.[/li]
[li]GP’s after-hours service is not in a position to order testing for patients with symptoms like normal colds and flu. HSELive is an information line and is not in a position to order testing for the general member as well. Citizens are always required to secure 112/999 for emergencies.[/li]
[li]ALONE is [burl=987612]Launched a nationwide support line[/burl] Additional support for elderly people who are concerned about or face difficulties with the outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in Ireland. Supportline is open 7 days a week, from 8 am to 8 pm, by calling 0818 222 024.[/li]
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