Elderly homes are to suspend their visiting hours, as government tries to protect those most at risk for contracting COVID-19.

At a virtual media conference on Saturday morning, Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh said official statistics show there are some 3000 to 6000 elderly persons who currently live in registered homes. But the real figure is unknown, given there are several unregistered facilities across the country.

Meanwhile families who are in a position to do so, are urged to check their loved ones out of these facilities and keep them at home. Given the virus is easily spread from person to person, Mr. Deyalsingh says it is necessary to limit the number of elderly persons in any given space “as much as humanly possible”.

Workers at these geriatric facilities are urged to stay at home if they exhibit any flu-like symptoms, while those reporting for duty are encouraged to wear masks. Homes are also asked to keep a daily log of their patients, in an effort to identify any abnormality at the earliest possible time.

The full list of guidelines for the homes will be released next week, according to Minister Deyalsingh.