The impact of COVID-19 on long term care facilities
Date
2020-10-01
Authors
Maree, Gillian
Khanyile, Samkelisiwe
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Gauteng City-Region Obervatory
Abstract
For those who live in long term care facilities the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have been particularly devastating. For the September Map of the Month we explore the impacts on long term care facilities in Gauteng by mapping the known cases in these facilities across the province.
Many, if not most, long term care facilities have had cases of COVID-19 across Gauteng. Most of these have been in retirement and frail care facilities, but facilities for people with mental and physical disabilities have also been affected. To date at least 243 facilities have recorded 2606 cases across Gauteng Province since March 2020.
Many long term care facilities were overwhelmed or left unprepared for the impact of COVID-19. By now long term care facilities have been under lockdown for 6 months, with many residents isolated from family and friends. The move to level 1 and increased visitations to these facilities will be welcomed but comes at a high risk of new cases. High levels of vigilance needs to remain into the foreseeable future.
Description
For those who live in long term care facilities the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have been particularly devastating. For the September Map of the Month we explore the impacts on long term care facilities in Gauteng by mapping the known cases in retirement villages, rehabilitation centres and specialised facilities for people with mental and physical disabilities.
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Citation
Maree, G. and Khanyile, S. (2020) ‘The impact of COVID-19 on long term care facilities’, GCRO Map of the Month, Gauteng City-Region Observatory, September 2020.