Masi, Mr. Speaker. No one is more vulnerable to COVID-19 than elders living in long-term care and seniors' homes. COVID facilities in these homes have become a national scandal. In light of the alarming death rate in such homes, I have a number of questions for the Minister of Health and Social Services. The first question I have is: what special COVID-related training have staff at the territorial long-term care and seniors' homes received in anticipation of a possible outbreak of the virus in our territory? Masi, Mr. Speaker.
Question 263-19(2): Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic in Long-Term Care Centres
In the Legislative Assembly on June 1st, 2020. See this topic in context.
Question 263-19(2): Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic in Long-Term Care Centres
Oral Questions
Page 926
Question 263-19(2): Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic in Long-Term Care Centres
Oral Questions
Page 926
The Speaker Frederick Blake Jr.
Thank you, Member for Monfwi. Minister of Health and Social Services.
Question 263-19(2): Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic in Long-Term Care Centres
Oral Questions
June 1st, 2020
Page 927
Diane Archie Inuvik Boot Lake
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On March 12th, we began implementing preventative measures several days before we had an active case. We did things like prohibiting visitors, stopping day programs, using social distancing, screening staff before and at the end of their shifts, wearing masks continuously, cleaning common high-touch areas, following 14-day isolation protocols. These are all some of the preventative steps we have taken in preparation for this pandemic. Staff are all trained. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Question 263-19(2): Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic in Long-Term Care Centres
Oral Questions
Page 927
Jackson Lafferty Monfwi
In light of the documented danger of long-distance airborne transmission, what consideration has the government given to retrofitting the territorial seniors' homes? I am referring to the virus-scrubbing systems of the type being integrated into the hospital's HVAC system.
Question 263-19(2): Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic in Long-Term Care Centres
Oral Questions
Page 927
Diane Archie Inuvik Boot Lake
I am not sure the specific details on the question, so I can get back to the Member.
Question 263-19(2): Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic in Long-Term Care Centres
Oral Questions
Page 927
Jackson Lafferty Monfwi
My third question, obviously, is at the systemic level. What is the Minister doing to improve entry-level training standards and staff retention at our elders' care facilities? What steps have been taken so far, to date?
Question 263-19(2): Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic in Long-Term Care Centres
Oral Questions
Page 927
Diane Archie Inuvik Boot Lake
I am not aware of what exact measures have taken place. However, I do want to let the Member know that we don't anticipate easing any of our current preventative practices right now in the long-term care centres. We are just going to continue with some of the processes that we have been doing.
Question 263-19(2): Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic in Long-Term Care Centres
Oral Questions
Page 927
Question 263-19(2): Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic in Long-Term Care Centres
Oral Questions
Page 927
Jackson Lafferty Monfwi
Masi, Mr. Speaker. I may have to do a written question because I need more information pertaining to this. These are questions that have been asked by the seniors and family members in my community. The next question I have is in follow-up to my last question, Mr. Speaker: what systemic steps is the Minister taking pertaining to another very vulnerable segment of our population? I am referring to those disabled adults residing in group homes and other residential support programs, Mr. Speaker. Masi.
Question 263-19(2): Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic in Long-Term Care Centres
Oral Questions
Page 927
Diane Archie Inuvik Boot Lake
I heard the Member say that he would be willing to share some of his questions and send it over to me. We can respond as a department. Thank you.
Question 263-19(2): Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic in Long-Term Care Centres
Oral Questions
Page 927