THE elderly are amongst the most vulnerable in our society and whilst we all work together to combat the spread of COVID-19, we must remember that this disease has a particularly high mortality rate, especially for the elderly and those suffering from pre-existing comorbidities.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), most persons who are infected with COVID-19 are likely to experience mild to moderate respiratory illnesses and are likely to recover without requiring specialist intervention. However, older persons and those with underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease and cancer, are more likely to develop serious illnesses if they contract the virus.

Whilst the government has implemented a number of measures and policies aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19, for this group of persons more attention and care has to be taken in order to ensure their comfort and safety at this time.

To this end, the Ministry of Social Protection has heightened preventative measures at various care centres where the elderly are likely to be present. Care facilities such as the Palms Geriatric Home have imposed restrictions of visitation and a number of requirements on staff members. Along with the recommended sanitation exercises, there is now routine screening of staff reporting for duty. Whilst on duty, all staff members including medical, administrative and auxiliary have been issued with personal protective equipment such as gloves, masks, aprons, long boots and overalls. Additionally, the Palms has closed the Out-Patient Department in an attempt to stem the flow of persons going there to collect their medications. Senior citizens are therefore advised to attend their local medical outlets in order to access that particular service in the meantime.

Similarly, the Ministry of Social Protection and the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC) have been working to reduce the number of pensioners attending post offices to collect their pensions. In order to mitigate the risk of contracting the virus, the Civil Defence Commission

(CDC) has recently donated 5,000 face masks to the GPOC. Noting that pensioners will be collecting their pensions despite being amongst the most vulnerable in our society, Director- General of the CDC, Colonel Kester Craig stated that ìWe are looking at vulnerable groups and the pensioners have been recognised as one of the most vulnerable groups. They are considered high-risk, and we want to ensure that they are protected. Hence, we are here and we are happy to give these masks to GPOC and ensure they are able to distribute to the pensioners across the country when they are collecting their pension.

As we remain tied in a political stalemate and with Parliament not having reconvened, concerned citizens might be wondering what financial measures might be implemented in order to help the most vulnerable in our society. Having identified that the elderly are amongst the most vulnerable, Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, has noted that ìthe issue of stimulus packages will be on our minds. I would say to you that once we can get past this hurdle, the issue of a real stimulus package, looking at the economy post-COVID will occupy our attention in a more studied manner.î In the meantime, civil society organisations have picked up the baton and have been leading the charge with food and hamper distributions to those most vulnerable at this time.

Though social distancing has been widely hailed as a means of curtailing the spread of COVID-19, it essentially means that this group of persons is now even more vulnerable to social isolation, loneliness and potential neglect. The mental health aspect of the social -distancing measures is likely to be marked, especially for this group. In Guyana, we have very strong familial ties and many of us maintain close relationships with our grandparents and those who might fall within the category of elderly.

We should therefore try to connect with our elderly family members by calling to check in on them and spending as much time as we can with them on the telephone. There is no substitute for the bonds made and maintained by human interaction; however at this time, we must approach things more creatively. Finally, we recently reported that Guyana is on course to flatten the curve  and reduce the spread of COVID-19, this is according to Resident Pan American Health Organisation/WHO representative, Dr William Adu-Krow. Dr. Adu-Krow also noted that this will only remain possible if the government maintains the current containment measures.