Covid-19 at Herfsland update: virus-related deaths total 13

Between June and the beginning of July, Herfsland registered a total of 13 Covid-19-related deaths and 50 positive cases among residents and staff.

“By mercy and grace, things are now going well at Herfsland,” said the Allen Grove retirement village’s Johannie Louw.

Louw told Express on Tuesday that by early July, 43 residents tested positive, including seven staff members.

“Since July 8, we only reported one death of a resident not related to Covid-19, as the resident was already in hospital.”

As to the remaining protocol of lockdown still being enforced, she said residents are unfortunately still not allowed to receive visitors.

“We’re waiting on guidelines from the minister of social development regarding controlled visitation at our residential facilities. The residents have not seen their families in five months which, for them, is an eternity.”

Louw added that a social worker is assisting those who don’t have cellphone to make video calls with their family in the hopes of rekindling bonding times.

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“Like many businesses, this pandemic has had a financial toll on Herfsland. We are not in a position to accept new patients in the home, which means we’ve had empty spaces that have lost accommodation fees. Copious funds have been funneled to cope with the pandemic by acquiring PPE, the removal of medical waste, Covid-19 tests and disposable cutlery.”

Furthermore, Herfsland has been predisposed in organising any fund-raising projects, like its annual fete, that equipped them with much-needed funds.

“August 29 was the first time since Herfsland’s existence in 1986 that we were unable to host a fete. It is the highlight of our year, especially for our residents, since they thoroughly enjoy it when their families attend.”

On September 4, Herfsland baked pancakes as they previously did in April, which turned out to be a quaint spoil for the residents.

“On this note, thank you for every single donation of PPE and toiletries dropped off at our gate. We appreciation everything we’ve received during this time.”

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