Covid-19 claims 5 lives at Herfsland; many more test positive
Those seriously ill with Covid-19 had been admitted to hospital
Five residents of Herfsland, a frail care centre for the aged in Allen Grove, had died of Covid-19 while 34 others tested positive.
According to Herfsland’s Johannie Louw, a resident tested positive on June 12 after she had been admitted to hospital. She died on June 14.
She said all staff and residents were then tested with the assistance of the department of health as well as a private laboratory. Five staff members and 34 residents tested positive. Since then, four more residents died.
“As a precautionary measure, some staff members who were in contact with residents and other staff, have been placed in isolation. Those seriously ill with Covid-19 had been admitted to hospital,” Louw said.
She assured that the home was taking proactive measures in conjunction with the department of health to handle the situation and that residents who tested negative remained safe.
“Like any elderly frail care centre, contact with the outside world was halted before the official commencement of lockdown and visitors to the facility were not granted access. Sanitising and safety protocols were put in place and staff members were orientated to adopt new working methods to protect themselves and our residents.
“The unfortunate deaths prove that it’s practically impossible to ensure that staff and residents are not somehow exposed to Covid-19. Residents are dependent on care, meals have to be provided and staff contact with the outside world is a necessity. In serving the basic necessities in terms of food and medical treatment, contact with different people is imminent.”
Louw said the financial impact of Covid-19 was considerable. “The safety of our staff and residents has to be ensured and with this, sanitising and protective items have to be guaranteed, even though the budget did not make provision for it.”
Sadly, the impact of Covid-19 is taking its toll on those at Herfsland.
“Residents simply cannot risk normal ways of interacting with society and their family members. Staff fear they may get in contact with Covid-19 because of their travels to and from work. Additional stress is being added as those presenting asymptomatic, can still spread the virus.
“However, despite the added stress and pressure, all role players have done their part and everyone walks the extra mile to continue providing selfless service.”
Louw said people should not underestimate the risks. A fever is only one symptom. She highlighted the fact that those who are asymptomatic, still spread the virus to people with lower immunity systems like the elderly and people with pre-existing illnesses.
