Old folks homes are bringing back the masks

KEPALA BATAS: With fears of Covid-19 rising again, several old folks homes here are ordering everyone to mask up and maintain social distancing to protect their highly-vulnerable elderly residents.

“With senior citizens very vulnerable, we need to be disciplined in preventing Covid-19 infections,” said Darul Hanan care centre manager Siti Sarah Yahaya.

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“All the residents here are fully vaccinated and have taken their first booster jabs. We will also comply if the health authorities make additional boosters compulsory,” she said.

Visitors to the centre have to mask up and the staff maintain stringent hygiene standards.

Siti Sarah said residents or staff members who are sick or have symptoms have been told to isolate themselves and get treatment if necessary.

Caretaker Koay Chee Kean of Carnarvon Old Folks Home on the island said wearing face masks was mandatory for those who wanted to visit their relatives at the centre.

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“We also limit the number of visitors as we don’t want the place to be overcrowded,” said Koay, adding that all the 70 residents at the home were fully vaccinated and are encouraged to get booster shots.

Penang state health committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen said the situation in the state was under control although there has been an increase in Covid-19 cases with mild symptoms.

“To prevent the spread, we urge the public to return to the ‘new norm’ by masking up and regularly washing their hands with soap or use hand sanitisers,” he said.Gooi said high-risk groups such as the elderly, individuals with chronic illnesses, those with weakened immune systems and pregnant women are encouraged to wear face masks.

He advised those with symptoms to practise TRIIS (Test, Report, Isolate, Inform and Seek Help) so that they can do the necessary if they test positive for the virus.

He said the Penang Hospital has sufficient beds to cope with the current situation.

“There are 655 active cases in Penang, with 99.7% of them undergoing home quarantine. Only two cases or 0.3% are hospitalised,” he said.