THREE old folks’ homes in Penang are taking respective precautionary measures related to visitation during the Chinese New Year celebration.
As the number of Covid-19 cases is still quite high in the country, many of the old folks’ homes are not putting the health and safety of the old people at risk.
In fact, they have their certain standard operating procedures (SOPs) to adhere to for the visitors.
According to Evershine Old Folks’ Home supervisor Uthaya Kumar, the management will allow family members to visit, but subject to the regulations.
“We have a vacant parking space behind our premises, and therefore the visitors can opt to visit their home resident there.
“We will bring them out and they can spend time with their loved ones at the parking space.
“It’s important for us to adhere to SOPs at all times as the cases are still high as of now.
“After all, we will not restrict visitors from coming, as Chinese New Year is a once a year event,” he told Buletin Mutiara.
Uthaya added that they have a total of 38 people staying there and it was the management’s prerogative to ensure their safety is well taken care.
According to Bethel Home supervisor, who wants to be anonymous, he said they would only allow 10 people to enter at any one time.
“Their lives are precious and we must not compromise on any safety matter.
“Visitors must not take too long to visit them and ensure SOPs are followed.
“All of them here are considered to be high risk group of people and we need to be vigilant,” he added.
Tan Hiang Hock, who is the principal of Syukur Penyayang Care centre in Air Itam, told Buletin Mutiara that isolation line would be drawn out at the premises.
“Visitors can place their ang pows or any items that they wish to bring for their families outside.
“We will then distribute them to the elderly,” he said, adding that SOPs must be adhered to at all times.
Story by Edmund Lee