A 105-year-old woman is among three Palms Geriatric Home residents who have fully recovered after testing positive for the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
The Ministry of Social Protection yesterday said the woman and the other recuperated residents will soon be integrated with the other residents at the institution.
Additionally, the ministry said in a statement that seven other residents, who had also tested positive, are being monitored in accordance with the strict control measures implemented by the Ministry of Health. All positive cases are quarantined in a separate ward.
The first case at the Palms was recorded on May 5 and in total twelve residents and a Patient Care Assistant have tested positive for the virus. There have been two fatalities. No new case has been recorded since May 23.
The home, which falls under the purview of the Social Protection Ministry, provides 24 hour nursing care for elderly residents. The elderly are among the group more vulnerable to COVID-19.
Meanwhile, Dr Yoganand Manoo, who is attached to the Clinical and Technical Department at the Health Emergency Operations Centre (HEOC), told this newspaper last Friday that the seven residents who remain positive cases will be placed in isolation for 14 days before being retested. Manoo said all patients are being monitored and are considered stable at this point.
It was noted that all residents occupying the facility have been tested for the virus. A joint committee, with participation from the Health and Social Protection ministries, was recently set up to oversee the COVID-19 response at the institution.
