With close to 50% of the 200 residents of the state-run Palms Geriatric Home tested for the novel coronavirus disease, efforts are continuing to ensure all of them are tested.
Whentworth Tanner, Director of Social Services, told Stabroek News yesterday that the Social Protection and Health ministries intend to have all residents and staff tested but they are working it out “in phases.”
Given the recent outbreak of the virus at the home, special attention has been placed on preventing the spread among the other residents housed there.
On May 6th, one of the elderly residents of the home was confirmed to have had the virus after he died. He was the tenth person to die due to COVID-19 in Guyana.
Since then, nine other residents and a Patient Care Assistant have been confirmed as COVID-19 positive. With some staff in quarantine pending the outcome of their test results, Tanner was asked about a potential shortage of workers. He said the institution placed trained persons to fill the gap created.
Tanner disclosed that all infected persons are currently being monitored in a separate location from other residents of the Palms. He also informed Stabroek News that all persons working in COVID-19 areas are fully equipped with protective gear. Previously, staff protested as they said they did not have adequate protective gear.
