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The most recently available figures show that there have now been coronavirus outbreaks at six aged care centres in New Zealand, including one in Te Atatu, Auckland that was announced yesterday.
There have been six deaths at one of the centres to date and while strict protocols are in place within local retirement villages and resthomes, they are understandably alert and concerned.
Ryman Healthcare, owners of Evelyn Page Retirement Village in Orewa, is among those calling for Covid-19 testing of new residents to be made available, regardless of whether they meet the current criteria.
Almost two weeks ago, the NZ Aged Care Association, which represents the aged care residential sector, asked the Ministry of Health for all new admissions to aged care facilities to be tested for the virus. So far the answer has been ‘no’.
In a letter to families with residents in Ryman Villages, sent out this week, the company underlined the fact that Covid-19 poses a critical threat to the health of older people.
Strict precautions are being taken at its villages, including staff changing into their uniforms on site, so their clothing does not leave the village.
Ryman Healthcare spokesperson, David King, says Ryman is also seeking the ability to test new residents for Covid-19.
The NZ Aged Care Association chief executive Simon Wallace says that were such testing made available, a positive test would mean that the facility would not accept the person – if negative, they would be admitted, but isolated for 14 days.
Ruth Scandrett, general manager of Hopper Living, owner of Maygrove Retirement Village in Orewa, says that if testing of new residents were possible, it could ease the community’s anxiety regarding the vulnerability of retirement village residents.
She says the need for testing depends on what the circumstances are leading to someone being admitted.
“For example, if they have been isolated in their “bubble” for the last 20 days or so, then potentially a test is of no value,” Ruth says “However, given the degree of nervousness in the wider community currently, testing on admission, alongside a 14 day isolation within the village’s hospital – ie keeping someone in their room, away from other residents – would help ease this.”
She says beyond that, testing when clinically indicated is already available.
Director General of Health, Dr Ashley Bloomfield announced on April 14 that there would be a review of the six rest homes where there have been incidences of Covid-19, to understand “what went well and what didn’t”.
Ruth says it would be helpful to know this information, especially if there was a breach of standard protocols in the facilities that are experiencing outbreaks. She says this would enable staff to focus on those areas specifically and help inform them of what they need to be aware of and how things can be improved.
