Relatives of people residing in Senior Citizen Homes will be able to visit their loved ones as of tomorrow. However, there are new ‘security measures’ in place, and all visitors must book an appointment in advance, and produce a negative antigen test, taken up to 72 hours before the visit. These tests are free, and can be scheduled online at saudepublica.drs@madeira.gov.pt.
According to the Regional Secretary for Inclusion and Social Affairs, Augusta Aguiar, the new measures will safeguard vulnerable citizens and staff. This is particularly important as there are no registered cases of Covid-19 in any of the islands Senior Citizen Homes.
She went on to say that homes are adapting to the reopening and that every care will be taken. People confined to their bed will also be able to receive visitors, although in these specific cases, each home will be free to choose the most appropriate way to organise how this is achieved. Sadly, although visits are allowed, physical contact is not possible as visitors and relatives will be separated by a Perspex screen.
Finally, all visits are limited to one, thirty-minute visit per week.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
