During these difficult times, the Trust has been keeping in regular touch with the Chair of the local Committee by email and telephone.
Last week we heard the sad news that a member of the support staff had died from Covid-19 in mid-May. As an older person, under government guidelines he had stopped working on 1 April and was staying at home, so did not get the infection at the Home. Nevertheless, the Home reported the situation to the local authorities.
The Ministry of Health came to the Home in late May to administer so-called rapid tests to all staff and residents. The results showed that there were no cases among the residents, but 8 out of 15 personnel tested positive, all asymptomatic cases. Those infected immediately returned home to isolate. The Home is in regular contact with all of them and, with one exception, they expect them to come back to work after they complete their quarantine.
Understandably, to have such a high proportion of cases testing positive came as a shock, and created a crisis in the running of the Home. To replace some of the eight staff members that are not working, they hired four contractors, two of them technical staff. They have also changed the shifts to ensure less circulation of people and less traffic in and out of the Home. Shifts are now 24hs, followed by two days off. Staff on duty do two rounds at 1am and 3 am to check on the residents, so they manage to get some sleep during the night. The change has been well received by the staff, as it means less travel and less risk of infection. A doctor visits the Home every two days to check the residents and do some tests. This help is provided by the local government at no cost.
The Home is taking all possible measures to minimise the risk of infection, both in terms of cleaning and limiting circulation of people. The members of the local Committee are all well, observing quarantine and not going to the Home.
Piura has been badly hit by the pandemic, with hospitals operating at or beyond full capacity. The city authorities have extended the compulsory quarantine until 30 June.
I am so sorry to hear this news. This is a particularly cruel virus. But we will all stay kind to one another.Barbara Goldstein
So sorry to hear this. I have wonderful memories of my visit, the photos and memorabilia still adorning my den’s walls.
Sorry to hear the sad news.
However well done to everyone for adjusting so professionally in such difficult circumstances.
My love and thoughts with you all.
Well done team in very difficult circumstances. Our thoughts and very best wishes are with you.
I am so sorry that the Home has been so badly hit by this cruel virus. I have many happy memories of my time in Piura, living in the Home while my daughter, Leonora Borg was working there.
I send everyone my best wishes and shall be thinking of you during these challenging times.
Caroline Borg
Sorry to hear the sad news from the Home and sending prayers and thoughts during this challenging time
Caroline Borg
It is so sad to hear of the death of a support worker. This is a terrible time for all the world but be assured of my prayers for all the residents and the staff. May Our Lord and his loving Mother, Mary, protect you all.
I am so sorry to hear on the first death and pray that the residents at the home will continue to keep well clear of this awful virus and that this death will be the last. So sad that the worker has been there working with Anita.