“I never put the mask on here and I never put it on”whispers the wife of a resident, sitting next to him in the small garden of Debrou. A few minutes earlier, on October 15, 2024 within the Accommodation Establishment for Dependent Elderly People (Ehpad) of Joué-lès-Tours, the social life council (1) nevertheless voted unanimously to continue the measures in place since September 30 to counter the spread of a wave of Covid that began on the 16th of the same month.
In one month, it affected forty-nine people out of 240 residents. Two ladies died from it. “Three people are still isolated on October 15”specifies Doctor Élodie Cochez, employed doctor at Debrou. “In the event of a positive case, we recommend seven-day isolation in the resident’s room to protect others. The mask is not required. It can be if the person has an external appointment which cannot be canceled”she adds.
The families of the residents live up to the obligation
Since the end of September, director Abdelkabire Essalhi has made wearing a mask compulsory for all visitors (2). A decision that did not only make certain families happy. “I don’t really like wearing it but it’s an obligation to protect the most fragile,” breathes the husband of a resident.
“I thought I could eat with my mom inside but I just found out that’s not possible. Too bad but we follow the rules”confides a lady, when two others, daughters of a centenarian, understand “that we must protect the most fragile”.
Until next March?
Flu vaccination started on October 17. The one against Covid is planned for the end of the month or the beginning of November. “We think we are at the end of the epidemic wave. But Covid kills and tomorrow, new cases may reappear”adds Abdelkabire Essalhi, who plans to maintain the measures in place throughout the winter period, until March 2025.
Does he have the right? “Wearing a mask may be required by decision of the head of the establishment or service for people aged at least six years in health and medico-social establishments, such as a nursing home”specifies the Regional Health Agency (ARS). The places where health professionals practice (medical offices, health centers, multi-professional health homes, nursing offices, etc.), pharmacies and medical biology laboratories are also concerned.
(1) It is made up of members representing the residents of the nursing home, the families of the elderly, the staff and the municipality of Joué.
(2) The obligation does not concern residents.
