The Palms Geriatric Home has recorded six positive COVID-19 cases, including a staff member.
Whentworth Tanner, Director of Social Services, told Stabroek News that given the outbreak of the virus at the home, the Palms is in continuous contact with the Health Emergency Operations Centre (HEOC) as they work to combat the spread of the virus.
Tanner, who previously stated that the aim is to have all staff tested, yesterday said following the home’s first recorded case of the virus, 70 staff members have since been tested. The first patient died.
He explained, “They are approximately 18 staff in quarantine who were all previously tested negative, and are currently awaiting re-testing to confirm their status.”
According to him, patients housed in the infirmary are considered stable for the time being. He explained that due to the nature of the illness, they are being closely monitored by two doctors.
He further informed this newspaper that a selected set of staff, chosen by the Matron, was provided with training by an HEOC team to assist them when working with COVID-19 patients.
He added that kits are given to staff based on their level of exposure. Nevertheless, he added that the home is making every effort to safeguard both its residents and staff, as they are following continuous guidelines set out by the HEOC team.
Meanwhile, Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) representative to Guyana Dr. William Adu-Krow has told this newspaper that more needs to be done as it relates to screening and testing at elderly homes and in the particular the Palms.
He noted that doctors were sent to provide aid to the home. “The fact that they are elderly and the fact that they are together in small spaces, it’s a big negative, so we need to look at that seriously,” he said while adding that he intends to speak with the National COVID-19 Task Force about taking a serious look at the home. The PAHO representative said that there is a need to guard against having more positive cases at the home.
