SWD launches Time-limited Programme on Enhancing Infection Control and Ventilation of Residential Care Homes

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The Social Welfare Department (SWD) today (December 22) announced the launch of the Time-limited Programme on Enhancing Infection Control and Ventilation of Residential Care Homes to help around 1 100 residential care homes for the elderly and residential care homes for persons with disabilities in Hong Kong to enhance their infection control and improve their ventilation with a view to minimising the risks of virus spreading in residential care homes.

The 12-month programme comprises the following components:

Assessment on infection control measures and provision of on-site training for residential care homes
To arrange for a nurse (or nurses) to conduct at least four sessions of on-site assessment and training on infection control for staff of residential care homes within the programme period; and
On-site ventilation assessments for residential care homes
To arrange for relevant technical personnel to conduct on-site ventilation assessments for residential care homes and make recommendations on ventilation improvement.

     The SWD will provide a special subsidy for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) operating subvented or contract residential care homes to facilitate their arrangements for conducting the assessments under the programme at their residential care homes.

     For private or self-financing residential care homes, the SWD will commission NGOs which are providing Visiting Medical Practitioner Service for private or self-financing residential care homes to arrange free delivery of services under the programme to all private or self-financing residential care homes in the cluster(s) they serve.

     The SWD will send letters to residential care homes and the NGOs concerned today to introduce the details of the programme.

     Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has also launched the Jockey Club Facilities Enhancement Scheme for Pandemic Preparedness at Residential Care Homes which will offer a one-off subsidy to all residential care homes for the elderly and residential care homes for persons with disabilities in Hong Kong to upgrade their safety and infection control facilities, including subsidising residential care homes to purchase equipment to improve ventilation, in response to the impact of COVID-19. The Hong Kong Jockey Club issued a press release today to introduce details of the scheme.

Ends/Tuesday, December 22, 2020
Issued at HKT 14:30

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