Residents and staff in homes serving the elderly — such as nursing homes, welfare homes, sheltered homes and adult disability homes — are receiving “priority testing” for Covid-19, MOH and MSF said on Sat. They added that resident-facing staff who enter and leave such homes daily will also be given lodging at designated accommodation facilities on-site or at hotels, to reduce their exposure to the community during the circuit breaker period. They are taking these steps as these homes serve highly vulnerable and frail seniors, who are at higher risk of developing serious health complications if infected with Covid-19. Broad-based testing for residents and staff in all homes serving the elderly will ensure that any Covid-19 infections in the homes are detected as early as possible for treatment, as well as to limit transmission. “We will arrange for staff of the homes to stay at hotels if the home they work at is unable to house them on-site,” the two ministries said. MOH will also provide support for nursing homes to enhance onsite accommodation spaces to improve safe distancing, where necessary.... Continue Reading