COVID-19 safety guidelines issued for elderly

The National Secretariat for Elders (NSE) yesterday issued a number of safety guidelines for the elderly, a group especially vulnerable during the COVID-19 outbreak.

While the NSE, in a statement issued by the Department of Government Information, emphasised that the 300,000 elderly population of the country must be especially cautious during this time, the safety guidelines include remaining indoors and not leaving the house unless absolutely necessary. During such a situation, they are to wear face masks.

Sri Lanka Association of Geriatric Medicine (SLAGM) President Dr. Padma S. Gunaratne put forward a number of other precautions to be taken by the elderly and advised the high-risk group to maintain a safe distance from people. When talking to someone, a three foot gap was recommended. The elderly are to avoid hugging and kissing family members, especially grandchildren, and are advised against entertaining visitors or going to crowded places. In addition to this, the elderly are advised against visiting hospitals and clinics to have their prescriptions filled and are to have someone fill it at a nearby pharmacy on behalf of them. SLAGM also recommends drinking hot water regularly and limiting the consumption of cold beverages. When coughing or sneezing, the elderly are to cover their mouths and noses with their elbows and regularly wash their hands with soap, especially after handling money or going outside.

While these measures are recommended to ensure the safety of the elderly, the SLAGM also asks that they remain calm, sleep well, and maintain a nutritious diet.

According to the statement issued by the Department of Government Information, the risk percentage of the elderly contracting COVID-19 is 15% for those above 80 years of age, 9% for the 70 to 79 age group, and 3.8% for the 60 to 69 age group.