New measures against the spread of the coronavirus are being put in place at government-run homes for the elderly.

Visiting hours will be restricted to afternoons and evenings and visitors limited to two, the family ministry announced.

At the St Vincent de Paul residence, in Luqa, a new monitoring system will be put in place for anyone entering the facility, while outpatient appointments will be rescheduled. 

Anyone feeling unwell or who has recently returned from countries considered to be at risk are advised not to visit such residences. Visitors are also asked to wash their hands before entering and leaving. Hand sanitizers are in place at all entrances. 

Meanwhile, private residences, too, are taking measures. Care Malta, whose homes accommodate 1,640 elderly people, said last week that it has an infection prevention and control programme in place across its nine facilities.

The home was enforcing prevention in line with WHO recommendations and the company was constantly monitoring developments, it said.

The Jasmine Nursing Home in Birkirkara is checking the temperature of everyone who enters the facility, which has 106 residents. “We also have signs telling people how to wash their hands and to use hand sanitizer when they come to reception,” said general manager Reuben Vella Bray.

“As for the patients in our home, we have also asked them to file a report if they get any symptoms such as fever, chills, cough, muscle pain or body pains for example.”