Residents, staff at elderly homes being tested for Covid-19; some staff to move into designated lodgings during circuit breaker

SINGAPORE — 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, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) said on Saturday (May 2).

In a statement, the two ministries 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. 

MOH and MSF said 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, they said. 

MOH began Covid-19 testing from Wednesday and target to complete the tests by next week, while MSF began the tests from Thursday and will complete them by Saturday. 

“Prior to this, we had been actively testing symptomatic residents and staff who developed Acute Respiratory Infection or fever for Covid-19,” the ministries said.

The ministries are providing full funding support for the costs of all tests and all follow-up treatment that is required.

Meanwhile, the authorities are also working with the homes to facilitate lodging for staff who interact with the residents, either on site or at hotels. 

“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.

For staff who have to move into hotels, the ministries will provide funding for the accommodation and for the homes to provide meals, dedicated transport and daily necessities for the staff. 

MOH will also provide support for nursing homes to enhance onsite accommodation spaces to improve safe distancing, where necessary.

A S$500 allowance will be provided to affected staff to assist them with the transition for the current measures. 

“We understand that the move could cause inconvenience to the affected staff and appreciate their sacrifices and efforts in keeping our elderly safe,” the ministries said.

“We acknowledge and appreciate the dedication of all staff and the management of the homes, who have stepped up amidst the challenges and are working hard to care for their residents.” The ministries added that the Government remains committed to support and work closely with the homes to strengthen safety and protection for everyone. 

“Through our collective efforts, we will be better able to protect those who are more vulnerable in our community.”