The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Government advised centre ‘unsuitable’ for isolation
PROPER CLEANING OF CENTRE DID NOT TAKE PLACE AFTER COVID CASES
THE Department of Justice and the International Protection Office were advised by the HSE public health team to seek alternative accommodation for the asylum seekers living at the Skellig Star Direct Provision Centre, but did not do so, it has emerged.
An e-mail from Consultant/ Specialist In Public Health, Anne Sheehan on April 28, following an outbreak of Covid-19 at the centre, raised concerns about the centre.
“I am concerned that this location is totally unsuitable to accommodate these residents for the next 14 days while they try to self-isolate – no place to exercise or get fresh air and if they need to go out they cannot practise social distancing. From a public health perspective, I would urge you to consider seeking alternative accommodation for residents immediately,” wrote Dr Anne Sheehan.
Documentation, primarily e-mails between Cork Kerry Community Healthcare, HSE Public Health specialists, and Government agencies, released under a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, show concerns about the suitability of the centre but also the implementation of the hygiene regulations at the centre.
It is understood that the first potential case of Covid-19 was notified to the Department of Justice on March 24. The local community, however, became aware of cases in Mid-April. A public health visit which took place on April 21 highlighted issues with the signage, stating that while there is signage it needed to be bigger. Issues with the lift were also raised which stated, amongst other things, that the lift needs to be cleaned more often. It was also suggested that staff require further education on surgical masks. Staggered use of the canteen was implemented with residents eating in rooms and the centre was praised for the isolation of Covid-19 patients in this visit.
“Happy with same, at far end of corridor, beside exit doors, no thoroughfare,” the report stated.
However, just days later, further internal emails, dated April 26, show further public health control measures that remained to be addressed and which were referred to as ‘essential’ measures, including - single/ family unit occupancy rooms for all residents remaining in the centre and a thorough environmental cleaning programme. The same e-mail advised someone should be employed on site to monitor symptoms and take temperatures in response to the outbreak. Later emails show some-one was seconded to this position.
It was advised that staff at the centre be put off work for 14 days to monitor symptoms.
A check-list on April 29 regarding Covid still high-lighted concerns particular in regard to how to manage core services -meals, laundry etc in the event of a COVID-19 case and hygiene concerns remained. This was weeks after an outbreak of COVID-19. In the check-list a statement said “incorrect cleaning products used e.g alcohol gel used for cleaning. No detergent or disinfectant used. This actions needs to be actioned immediately.”
Furthermore, it was stated that there was no documentation on cleaning of communal areas documented and no procedure on how to clean and disinfect rooms.”
“Rooms that have already been cleaned from positive Covid patients required to be re-cleaned and disinfected using correct products,” the email stated. The same check-list stated that social distancing is not being undertaken at the centre.