Due to a delay in the implementation of plans to address the outbreak of COVID-19 at the state-run Palms Geriatric Home, Minister of Social Protection Amna Ally has given the Health Emergency Operations Centre (HEOC) the go ahead to take control of the situation.
Dr. Leston Payne, Deputy Director of Health Emergency Operations Centre, told Stabroek News in a telephone interview that a joint committee consisting of 8 members from both ministries was formed.
He said the aim is to have things sorted at the institution as soon as possible, as they take control of the technical oversight at the home.
Currently, the Ministry of Public Health has placed staff and retired nurses for additional administrative support at the home.
Based on the instructions from the Ministry of Public Health team, the establishment of quarantine and isolation wards is said to be a work in progress.
In addition to residents of various wards at home being tested due to mixing, over the past three days, additional testing was done on residents of the Palms. It was stated that testing will continue until every resident and staff member have been tested.
Last Saturday, a second resident of the home succumbed to the novel coronavirus.
A total of 11 residents and a Patient Care Assistant have been confirmed as COVID-19 positive.
