The Social Welfare Department (SWD) said today (November 11) that, taking into consideration that most staff members and residents of residential care homes (RCH) have received the COVID-19 vaccination, as well as the benefits of visits and social activities to the physical and mental well-being of residents, the department has consulted the health authorities and decided to implement appropriate relaxation arrangements in respect of RCH visitation and residents' group outings from November 14 onwards:
 

1. Relaxation on the number of visitors for each resident at a time

     The requirement of one visitor for each resident at a time will be lifted. With the relaxation, RCHs should review the actual circumstances (e.g. available space or facilities) and appropriately set the number of visitors for each resident and the total number of visitors at any one time to avoid overcrowding.

     All visitors must continue to comply with the Government's COVID-19 vaccination requirements as set out in the Vaccine Pass. Visitors are also required to undergo polymerase chain reaction-based nucleic acid tests for COVID-19 (PCR tests) within 48 hours prior to the visit, and provide negative PCR test results in order to visit RCHs.
 

2. Group outings for residents in closed-loop arrangements

     Provided that stringent and effective disease prevention measures are in place, RCHs can arrange group outings for residents. Such outings should adopt closed-loop arrangements where dedicated transport is provided for residents to travel to the designated locations and return to the RCHs as a group under the guidance of the RCH staff and in accordance with the pre-arranged itineraries and schedule. RCHs should ensure strict compliance with the infection prevention and social distancing measures by participating residents. Crowded destinations and mask-off activities (such as eating or drinking) should be avoided.
 
     The SWD has reminded RCHs to maintain close communication with the residents and their families/relatives on the specific arrangements in respect of visitation and group outings. They are also advised to make reference to relevant guidelines and take prudent and effective measures to reduce the risks of virus transmission in the RCHs.

Ends/Friday, November 11, 2022
Issued at HKT 17:35

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