A spokesperson for the elderly home Casa Antonia told The Malta Independent that they are “doing their utmost” to ensure that its residents are safe, by continuously implementing new measures.
A number of elderly homes, including Casa Antonia, have been facing outbreaks of Covid-19. The San Guzepp elderly home in Fgura was the worst hit, however by the time this newspaper went to print, no responses to questions from that home have been received.
As of 28th September, Casa Antonia had 18 active cases and had nine patients recover from the virus.
A spokesperson for Casa Antonia said that their first patient since the virus numbers began to rise again after 17 July, was found to be positive on 4th September 2020.
This newsroom asked the home what Covid-19 protocols were in place right before that point. “At the time, we had been receiving visitors only by appointment, from behind a Perspex screen and prohibited residents from leaving the home, except for urgent medical appointments. We have been following procedures issued by the health authorities since 7th August 2020 as a result of the increased number of COVID cases in Malta. Since March 2020, we were never open to visitors entering the home under the usual normal circumstances.”
All staff at the time when the first patient in the home tested positive were being regularly swabbed, the spokesperson said.
“All staff continued to wear face masks at all times. Face mask, gloves, apron and visors are also worn when giving direct care. The home is adhering fully to all health protocols issued for similar residential homes.”
Asked whether any protocols changed after their first patient tested positive, the spokesperson said: “all residents were asked to remain in their rooms at all times. All residents and staff were swabbed and again after 4 days.”
Meals are served in residents’ rooms, the spokesperson said. “At the moment, all residents that are not positive are swabbed every three days. Once results are received, relatives are informed of the outcome.”
Asked if the home is internally investigating whether more could have been done to prevent the spread, the spokesperson said: “On a daily basis we are doing our utmost to ensure that our residents are safe by continuously implementing further new measures, so as to minimise the risk as much as possible. “
In terms of social activities, the spokesperson explained that social activities during the summer months were organised by the home’s staff and were open only for residents. “However, no activities where residents could meet other residents have been organised since 4th September 2020.”