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.
Thank you, Member for Monfwi. Minister of Health and Social Services.
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.
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.
I am not sure the specific details on the question, so I can get back to the Member.
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?
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.
Thank you, Minister. Final supplementary, Member for 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.
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.
Thank you, Minister. Oral questions. Member for Inuvik Twin Lakes.
