What measures are being taken in the Vitebsk region to prevent coronavirus among the elderly

All the nuances of organizing the life support for incapacitated residents of the region were discussed at a regional seminar held via video conference with the participation of representatives from districts and cities. The Chairman of the Committee for Labor, Employment and Social Protection of the Regional Executive Committee, Alexander Khristoforov, outlined in a telegraphic style the essence of the changes that have been introduced into the usual system of work. Elderly people and disabled individuals in need are served through territorial centers, and they are also housed in boarding schools. The latter have introduced quarantine with a ban on visits and deliveries. The health status of employees working in these institutions is now being monitored with particular care. Alexander Nikolaevich ordered that the same approach be extended to round-the-clock living departments subordinate to district executive committees, and to territorial centers for social services. The action algorithm for their employees is known, and it must be strictly followed. The sanitary service monitors compliance with the requirements.

Since about half of the 18,000 lonely, single-person households in the region are not served by social services, assistance with the delivery of necessities is being organized everywhere for them during the period of infection threat. To avoid risks, the elderly themselves are strongly advised to stay at home, not to go to shops, pharmacies, and other crowded places where undesirable contacts are possible. This is being done for the people; if necessary, a medical worker and a social assistant will come to their homes.

How will the assistance mechanism for low-mobility elderly people operate? You need to stay in touch with your territorial center by phone. For this purpose, two numbers are allocated for each center, they are indicated on the websites and in newspapers. To gather all potential wards, they will be regularly called, and phone duty will be available seven days a week, without lunch breaks, from 9 AM to 6 PM.

The fulfillment of requests for the delivery of food and medicines is primarily organized by our own efforts. These are social workers, those who are temporarily free from conducting clubs, classes in workshops, and groups. If the flow of requests increases, partners will be involved – the Belarusian Red Cross Society and the Belarusian Republican Youth Union, who are preparing their volunteers for responsible work these days. Large and small details of the process related to their participation have also been agreed upon.

And here, the focus is on self-monitoring the health of volunteers, providing them with personal protective equipment, and properly informing the elderly about what is happening, in order to provide them with psychological support and strengthen their sense of security during this difficult period.

By the way, as noted by the chairperson of the regional organization of the Belarusian Red Cross Society, Galina Zhelanova, volunteers will be insured, provided with personal protective equipment and antiseptics to fulfill their mission. These have already been received by the mercy nurses who serve 213 wards of the Red Cross under a social order.

Also, at the seminar, attention was paid to the application and observance of labor legislation norms during a period close to force majeure. This includes granting social leave without pay, processing possible downtime, suspension from work in the presence of symptoms of viral infection, and many other points. It is important to adhere to the letter of the law in everything and protect people in order to get through this difficult period without shocks.

"Vitbichi". Photos from open sources.