Caxton Local Media has received confirmation that two residents of Thembalami Care Centre have tested positive for Covid-19.
The positive test results were received on May 29 and the two residents were re-tested on 4 June.
Rand Aid Association CEO Peter Quinn confirmed that two women, aged 70 and 90, had tested positive for the virus.
As on 4 June, he said both residents were asymptomatic.
On June 2, the Gazette received a number of reports that two residents at the centre had died as a result of Covid-19.
These claims have since been refuted.
“There have been no confirmed deaths linked to Covid-19 at the care centre. The initial reason for the mass testing of staff and residents was the deaths of two residents and the extreme illness of a third, all on the same corridor.
“The third resident, who subsequently tested negative for Covid-19, also died,” Quinn said.
He confirmed that the remaining residents on that corridor of the care centre were all tested on the same day and all tests returned negative.
“The Department of Health was immediately notified and with their assistance, all the other residents totalling 114 were tested. Their results were negative. While the results of the tests were pending, all residents were confined to their rooms,” Quinn said.
He added that all staff at the centre were also tested.
“The test results of 47 staff members are back and all 47 tested negative for the virus.”
Quinn confirmed that the two Covid-19 positive residents were in full isolation while a third resident who, despite testing negative for the virus, shared a room with one of the two residents, was self-isolating.
“Her second test also came back negative,” he said.
Quinn added that on Thursday, the two residents with Covid-19 were retested in line with the Department of Health’s protocols.
Management at Thembalami have been in communication with the family members of all residents to inform them that two residents had tested positive.
Family members were also made aware of protocols put in place to prevent further infections.
Esme van der Walt, the manager of Thembalami Care Centre, said family members were supportive and positive and have taken comfort in knowing that Thembalami was well prepared for any possible Covid-19 cases.
“Thembalami is co-operating fully with the Department of Health in ensuring the spread of the virus is contained,” Quinn said.
He also confirmed that the care centre had sufficient PPE.
“PPE is not readily available in the market, especially disposable gowns. Some suppliers are even restricting the amount that can be ordered at one time. While the prices have increased substantially, Rand Aid is committed to ensuring that our staff are protected and we continue to source and invest in PPE,” he said.
Quinn confirmed that full PPE kits were used by health-care workers who were caring for the two positive residents.
“These PPE kits consist of overshoes, a balaclava cap, a plastic apron, surgical mask, an infection-control gown and a face shield visor. Buffer stock is carried to address the ongoing sourcing challenges.”
“Following the confirmation of the two Covid-19 cases, all residents have been required to wear masks. This remains difficult to enforce when it comes to people living with dementia.”
Rand Aid is Covid-19 ready:
From the outset, Rand Aid reacted urgently to Covid-19 and when the president announced a national state of disaster on March 15, a number of infection-control measures were already in place across all Rand Aid properties.
“Thembalami went into lockdown on March 16, with no visitors allowed into the care centre, unless deemed essential,” Rand Aid Association CEO Peter Quinn said.
He added that with older persons facing increased risks of complications from Covid-19, Rand Aid followed the progression of the disease closely.
“When South Africa confirmed its first case, steps were immediately taken to keep residents and staff members safe.”
• All staff members wear masks and all hygiene protocols are strictly adhered to.
• Each staff member carries Thembalami-issued personal hand sanitisers; one to be used frequently at work and the other to be used when commuting to work.
• Skin temperature of all staff is taken on arrival at work.
• All staff are then tested with an infrared thermometer, their hands are sanitised and they complete and sign a screening log.
• The screening log is also counter signed by a senior staff member.
“Before staff members leave the property at the end of the day, their temperatures are again taken.
“Similar procedures are followed when essential visitors, such as delivery men, enter the property. This screening is done by senior personnel,” Quinn said.
* Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news
Dear reader,
As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19.
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