Council clarifies restriction of access to homes for the elderly |08 October 2020
On behalf of the National Council for the Elderly (NCE), I am writing to clarify an interview carried out by Arid last week claiming that our administration seeks to restrict the enjoyment of political rights of the elders living in the 9 homes for the elderly.
If persons have made regular visits to the Homes for the Elderly since the onset of Covid-19 they would have noticed various notifications which have been put up on a needs-based basis, and amended or removed when relevant.
From end of August, immediately prior to the announcement of the election, several large delegations from political parties sought to gain entry into some homes for the elderly, sometimes forcefully using obscene language, and threatening violence with weapons. In the effort to stem this influx, with many refusing to abide by our Covid-19 instructions including sanitization and wearing of mask and not adapting to social distancing, this decision was made in order to protect the residents and the workers inside the homes.
Upon reflection however, we discussed with residents, home administrators and management and replaced the poster restricting political parties from entry to “restriction of large groups”, this therefore limits the entry by any groups in large numbers by any faction. Much discussion has taken place in the homes with the residents advising that they have every right to receive any member of a political party or faction but this must be in a limited manner, ensuring that Covid-19 instructions that are in place are maintained at all times, for their own protection.
It is not the intention of the NCE to restrict the human rights of any residents, but where the lives of the elderly under our care is concerned especially those who are bedridden or suffering from various medical ailments, we will ensure all steps are taken to maintain their wellbeing.
Marie-Josée Bonne (PS Family Affairs)
on behalf of the CEO National Council for the Elderly