Epidemiology and prevention of coronavirus infection in long-term care facilities

The authors have analyzed the main trends in the spread of coronavirus infection among elderly and senile people living in long-term care institutions, both in the Russian Federation and abroad. Possible anti-epidemic measures aimed at preventing the spread of coronavirus infection among the least socially protected segments of the population, including those living in residential care facilities were considered. Using the example of one of the stationary social service institutions in St. Petersburg, the article presents an effective model of reducing the existing risks of the formation of an epidemiological focus among elderly residents during the pandemic.

According to WHO data from April 23, 2020, up to half of the deaths from coronavirus in Europe occur in nursing homes. Boarding Home for the Disabled and Elderly No. 1 (BHDE No. 1) is one of the largest general care institutions in the metropolis. The contingent of BHDE No. 1 is made up of persons with pronounced or significantly pronounced limitations of the ability to self-service and movement, the average age of which is about 69 years. More than 90% of the residents have disability groups I and II and comorbid pathology of the cardiovascular, respiratory and other systems. Palliative care (nursing care) is needed for about 30% of social service recipients. In order to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in BHDE No. 1, not only “standard” quarantine measures were taken, but also “alternative” management decisions. As a result, within the period of 8 months in 2020, no cases of coronavirus infection among residents were registered in BHDE No. 1. Management decisions on the organization of the provision of social and medical services to the residents of BHDE No. 1 have shown their high efficiency and can be used in case of repeated deterioration of the epidemiological situation.