Wear masks at home to protect elderly, say medics

Infection control nurse Keisha Prevatt-Gomez has advised the public to wear masks where social distancing cannot be practised – even while at home.

She gave the advice as part of a list of measures that could prevent elderly and more susceptible people at home from contracting the virus.

She reminded the public that people who do not exhibit symptoms of covid19 can still spread the virus, and people with pre-existing conditions such as hypertension, heart disease and diabetes, are particularly susceptible.

She said the best way to protect the elderly and susceptible people from the virus is to reduce and minimise exposure in the first place.

Prevatt-Gomez said it was important to remember to monitor your own health to ensure you do not have any symptoms.

She also told people to encourage children to speak up when they feel ill.

“That way measures can be put in place to protect the elderly,” she said.

She added that everyone in the home should be vaccinated against the flu. Prevatt-Gomez said while the flu vaccine does not inoculate people from covid19, it would protect them from the common cold.

She also reminded people to sanitise their hands before putting on their masks and after removing them.