A year and a half after the start of the health crisis, the return to “normal” is looming in institutions for the elderly. Collective activities, outings, visits to relatives without an appointment: a new management protocol for the Covid-19 act, Wednesday July 21, the return to ” common right “ in these places of life severely affected by the health crisis.
According to this protocol, of which Agence France-Presse (AFP) has obtained a copy, the measures to protect residents implemented in nursing homes, independent residences and establishments welcoming disabled people are now “The same as in the general population”. “If the health situation remains worrying due to the spread of the Delta variant, the effectiveness of vaccination today allows a return to common law in establishments”, he added. At the beginning of July, 83% of residents had a complete vaccination schedule.
The traceability register maintained
Since Wednesday, family visits have thus taken place without prior appointment, in rooms or in collective spaces, and visitors are no longer asked to complete a questionnaire on arrival. A traceability register is however maintained, on which everyone must enter their name, address, telephone number as well as the date and time of their visit.
In establishments, collective meals, meals with relatives and collective activities in the indoor and outdoor spaces of the establishment are no longer the subject of specific recommendations. “All barrier gestures must continue to be respected by residents, professionals and external visitors, regardless of their vaccination status”, however, is he recalled, insisting on “Hand hygiene, wearing a mask indoors, but no longer outdoors, physical distancing and aeration-ventilation of the premises”.
A protocol claimed for months
Departures are also authorized without restriction (except local decisions to the contrary), without limitation of collective activities on return, but by maintaining screening for unvaccinated residents. This protocol, which replaces that of June 10, must however be completed in the coming days to integrate the next legislative and regulatory provisions related to the vaccination obligation for caregivers and the use of the health pass in health and medical establishments. -social.
In a press release, the AD-PA association and the Citoyennage, Familles Ehpad 42, Vital collectives, which bring together elderly people, families and professionals, have “Greeted” the publication of this protocol, which they have been demanding for several months. In May, the Defender of Rights denounced a “Serious interference with the right to private and family life” for nursing home residents during the health crisis.