On 15th March President Ramaphosa provided South Africa with a clear and concise action plan relating to Covid-19, declaring it a national disaster. As citizens of South Africa it is up to all of us to implement these measures to the best of our ability.
Fleurenville would like to assure you that we are committed to the health & safety of our residents, employees, and community whilst minimising disruption to our ability to provide care during this uncertain period.
WHAT IS COVID-19?
In January 2020 the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak of a new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Hubei Province, China to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. WHO stated there is a high risk of the 2019 coronavirus disease spreading to other countries around the world and even though many preparations are in place, long term success cannot be taken for granted. We all have a responsibility to prepare and play a role to stop this disease.
HOW DOES THE VIRUS SPREAD?
• Person-to-person spread: The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person; between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet), and through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
• Spread from contact with infected surfaces or objects: It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface (e.g. desks or tables) or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
• Can someone spread the virus without being sick? People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest). Some spread might be possible before people show symptoms; there have been reports of this occurring with this new coronavirus, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
• How easily does the virus spread? How easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary. The virus that causes COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community (“community spread”) in affected countries. Community spread means people have been infected with the virus in an area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected.
ARE WE AT RISK?
Several cases have been reported in South Africa and President Cyril Ramaphosa declared the outbreak a national disaster on 15 March 2020. Risk of serious illness rises with age: people over 40 seem to be more vulnerable than those under 40. People with weakened immune systems and with conditions such as diabetes or heart and lung disease are also more vulnerable to the disease. Our population at Fleurenville has a heightened risk of serious illness should the virus spread to the area.
FLEURENVILLE ACTIONS FOR PROTECTION AND PREVENTION
1. RESIDENTS
1.1 No shopping or recreational trips will take place. Residents with urgent personal business (doctor’s appointments, etcetera) will be accommodated on an individual basis.
1.2 Fleurenville will do shopping for residents based on lists submitted 24 hours in advance at reception. These items will be brought in by staff and disinfected before delivering to residents’ units. Cash may be withdrawn through our card facilities in the Finance Department. No cards or pin numbers may be given to staff.
1.3 Residents are made aware of risk factors and how to avoid possible contamination. Mingling with the general population is strongly discouraged, but if a family member wishes to take a resident out, they will take full responsibility for ensuring that protocols are adhered to. Screening will be done upon return.
1.4 No private functions or funerals will be held at Fleurenville until further notice. Internal functions such as church services, birthday parties, bowling and other socials will continue under strict supervision to control contact and contamination.
1.5 Guest rooms are not available until further notice.
1.6 Residents on ALL levels of care are now required to have stock of surgical gloves available in their rooms for nursing related activities.
2. VISITORS
2.1 Visitors are requested to minimize visits to Fleurenville, as it places everyone else in this closed community at risk.
2.2 All visitors, suppliers and contractors will need to report at the Security office at the gate, where after they will be directed to the appropriate entrance.
2.3 At reception visitors will be subjected to a screening questionnaire, and entry may be refused. Should visitors be allowed to enter, they must complete a declaration to that effect.
2.4 Deliveries will only be accepted through the delivery hatch at the back of the premises, and goods will be received by Fleurenville staff. No delivery person will be allowed in the building.
2.5 All other contractors (essential) must adhere to internal infection control protocols.
2.6 All visitors and contractors will be made aware that touching residents or staff is not allowed; will be informed of the hand-washing procedures and the use of hand sanitizer; and the respiratory hygiene procedure.
3. STAFF
3.1 Staff on all shifts will be trained on additional infection control procedures and are required to wash their hands before and after every resident interaction or handling of equipment.
3.2 To prevent contamination using public transport, staff are required to travel in personal clothes, and change into uniforms once at the workplace.
4. GENERAL PROCEDURES
4.1 All public workplaces and surfaces are cleaned every hour with disinfectant. Hygiene is of the utmost importance.
4.2 Soap and sanitiser dispensers are available in all public places and all residents, staff and visitors are urged to clean their hands as often as possible.
4.3 Practice respiratory hygiene. Never cough or sneeze into your hands, rather into a flexed elbow or a paper towel/tissue to be disposed of immediately. Posters to explain the procedure are displayed in all areas.
4.4 All staff and residents are urged to report any flu symptoms. Staff that report flu-like symptoms are required to stay at home and do not report for work until cleared by a healthcare professional. Residents that present with symptoms will be seen by a doctor, and if necessary, Fleurenville will immediately implement isolation procedures. All measures will be implemented without discrimination and avoiding stigmatisation, but for the benefit of all.
4.5 Risk plans have been put in place should we be affected to ensure that all services continue and that all residents and staff are safe.
4.6 We shall continuously communicate updates to our plan to residents and staff.
Please contact us should you have any additional questions or concerns.
Thank you for your co-operation,
Fleurenville Management
